We really hope that you enjoy the career story of Jane Hunter. Jane is known around the world as the First Lady of New Zealand Wine. As owner, viticulturist and managing director of Hunter’s Wines since 1987, Jane has led the company to outstanding local and international success as one of New Zealand’s ground-breaking premium wine labels.
Born in South Australia, Jane’s father was a contract grape grower. She gained a degree in Agricultural Science at the University of Adelaide. Jane moved to New Zealand in the 1980’s and headed Montana’s viticulture team.
Jane met and married Irishman Ernie Hunter in 1984, and after his untimely death in 1987 she took over running Hunter's Wines which Ernie had established in Marlborough in 1978.
The winery has continued to grow in size, annual output and reputation. Hunter’s has grown to 5 times its original size. The list of awards and accolades is impressive: now having won over 250 gold medals and more than 45 trophies both in New Zealand and around the world. Jane is supported by her nephews, James Chief-Winemaker and Edward Asst. General Manager as the business moves to a new era of innovation and sustainability.
Jane herself has won national and international recognition for her work including being the first ever woman to be inducted into the NZ Wine Hall of Fame in 2013 and being inducted into the NZ Business Hall of Fame in 2019.
"When I was growing up, I really didn't have any idea what I wanted to be. And even through secondary school, I didn't really have any clear direction. Where I've ended up to a lot of people, myself included, has been quite astounding."
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