Stu was born and raised in the Awatere Valley not far from the original Vavasour vineyard. A graduate of Lincoln University, Canterbury with a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology, Stu joined Vavasour Wines in February 2003 as Assistant Winemaker. Stu became our Winemaker in 2007 and was a Finalist at the 2008 & 2009 Young Winemaker of the Year Awards.