Kerrie Stonge
Kerrie is a winemaker at Spring Creek Vintners and has worked in the wine industry for almost 25 years. Born and raised in Taranaki, she holds a master's degree in wine science and a WSET level 3 certification. She has previous winemaking experience in research as well as in wineries. As a result of being based in Marlborough for over 20 years, she has developed a deep understanding of regional expressions which adds to her scientific expertise and practical winemaking knowledge.
Kerrie is a winemaker at Spring Creek Vintners and has worked in the wine industry for almost 25 years. Born and raised in Taranaki, she holds a master's degree in wine science and a WSET level 3 certification. She has previous winemaking experience in research as well as in wineries. As a result of being based in Marlborough for over 20 years, she has developed a deep understanding of regional expressions which adds to her scientific expertise and practical winemaking knowledge.
Nick Lamain
Growing up amidst the vineyards of Marlborough, Nick has always felt a natural connection to the wine industry. What began as summer vineyard work as a teenager quickly blossomed into a dedicated career. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a postgraduate diploma in Viticulture and Oenology, Nick honed his craft in some of the world's most renowned wineries across Australia, Oregon, and Germany. His expertise and passion enable him to craft wines that authentically reflect the unique terroir of the Marlborough region, seamlessly blending international practices with a profound respect for Marlborough's inherent qualities. In 2024, Nick was awarded the title of Marlborough Young Winemaker of the Year.
Growing up amidst the vineyards of Marlborough, Nick has always felt a natural connection to the wine industry. What began as summer vineyard work as a teenager quickly blossomed into a dedicated career. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a postgraduate diploma in Viticulture and Oenology, Nick honed his craft in some of the world's most renowned wineries across Australia, Oregon, and Germany. His expertise and passion enable him to craft wines that authentically reflect the unique terroir of the Marlborough region, seamlessly blending international practices with a profound respect for Marlborough's inherent qualities. In 2024, Nick was awarded the title of Marlborough Young Winemaker of the Year.
Ellie hobbs
Ellie Hobbs, originally from Auckland, is the Assistant Winemaker at Vavasour Winery. Her passion for science and travel led her to pursue a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University. Since graduating she has made Marlborough her home and has broadened her expertise by completing overseas vintages in France, Australia, and Austria. Ellie has been involved in the show four times since 2020, and has been a lead steward twice. With a detailed understanding of the back room, she is excited to experience her first year of judging. Ellie is known for her brightly coloured leggings and delicious cookies.
Ellie Hobbs, originally from Auckland, is the Assistant Winemaker at Vavasour Winery. Her passion for science and travel led her to pursue a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University. Since graduating she has made Marlborough her home and has broadened her expertise by completing overseas vintages in France, Australia, and Austria. Ellie has been involved in the show four times since 2020, and has been a lead steward twice. With a detailed understanding of the back room, she is excited to experience her first year of judging. Ellie is known for her brightly coloured leggings and delicious cookies.
Arthur griffoul
Arthur runs Soif Wine Shop in Blenheim and is a certified sommelier with a background in Michelin-starred dining, wine programs across NZ, and vineyard + cellar work here and overseas. For him, wine is all about connection — sharing stories, bottles, and moments.
Arthur is looking forward to judging this year’s show and celebrating the strength of the industry.
Arthur runs Soif Wine Shop in Blenheim and is a certified sommelier with a background in Michelin-starred dining, wine programs across NZ, and vineyard + cellar work here and overseas. For him, wine is all about connection — sharing stories, bottles, and moments.
Arthur is looking forward to judging this year’s show and celebrating the strength of the industry.
David Foes
David is the Operations Winemaker for The Coterie - a small Organically focused winery in Marlborough. He has lived in Marlborough for 12 years with stints at Yealands, NZ Wineries and Marisco before joining The Coterie in 2023. He has overseas experience in Oregon, Burgundy and the Yarra Valley.
David is the Operations Winemaker for The Coterie - a small Organically focused winery in Marlborough. He has lived in Marlborough for 12 years with stints at Yealands, NZ Wineries and Marisco before joining The Coterie in 2023. He has overseas experience in Oregon, Burgundy and the Yarra Valley.
Josh Lee
Josh Lee is the winemaker at Huia and has also worked with VinLink, Whitehaven, Dog Point and Greywacke in Marlborough. After obtaining his WSET level 3 and a BSc with Honours in Viticulture and Oenology from Plumpton College in the UK, he went on to make wine in Greece, California, Australia, Germany, the UK, Spain and Central Otago where he was responsible for Akarua’s traditional method sparkling program. He has been a wine judge in both New Zealand and Burgundy and he is passionate about traditional method sparkling wine and loves Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Although he has worked all over the world, Marlborough is his tūrangawaewae, his place to stand.
Josh Lee is the winemaker at Huia and has also worked with VinLink, Whitehaven, Dog Point and Greywacke in Marlborough. After obtaining his WSET level 3 and a BSc with Honours in Viticulture and Oenology from Plumpton College in the UK, he went on to make wine in Greece, California, Australia, Germany, the UK, Spain and Central Otago where he was responsible for Akarua’s traditional method sparkling program. He has been a wine judge in both New Zealand and Burgundy and he is passionate about traditional method sparkling wine and loves Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Although he has worked all over the world, Marlborough is his tūrangawaewae, his place to stand.