JULES TAYLOR

In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Jules Taylor is one of New Zealand’s original pioneers putting a female stamp on things, and a genuine breath of fresh air. She has long maintained an ethos of making high quality, affordable wines to be consumed and enjoyed rather than stashed away in cellars. Born and bred in Marlborough, Jules grew up in the time when that region’s Sauvignon Blanc was wowing the world and setting a Kiwi benchmark.

Perhaps inevitable, then, that she would end up with a career pursuing that line. Following a postgraduate course in winemaking and viticulture, winemaking OE in Italy and Australia and winemaking duties at a number of high profile Marlborough estates, she took the plunge in 2001 and established Jules Taylor Wines with husband George Elworthy. Led from the front by their superb Sauvignon Blanc, the entire portfolio has since collected many awards.

Jules: ‘We source grapes from vineyards in the Wairau and Awatere Valleys; well, not so much vineyards as back corners of vineyards, rises and hollows and bits of vineyards.’ Still family-owned and operated in Marlborough by Jules and George, Jules Taylor Wines is now an internationally recognised wine brand with a global network of loyal fans.

You can’t have a wine label named Jules Taylor without having a Jules Taylor and, happily, we have one. Quick précis just in case you’ve got this far without knowing who Jules Taylor is. Jules is the winemaker, the visionary, the dreamer, the motivator, the laugher, the chivvier, mother of Louis, Nico and godmother to several hundred thousand little grapes. She’s also a pretty nice person. Jules is married to George.