Royce McKean of Tiki Wine in North Canterbury’s Waipara chats with us about buying an 800-acre sheep farm (plus a neighbouring 100 acres) in 2004, planting vines in 2005–06, and starting as a contract grower before releasing Tiki’s first wine—a 2009 single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc—then expanding into Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir plus others.

Royce describes relying on experienced viticulture support including Dr Dave Jordan, the challenge of launching a new brand during the post-2008 oversupply, and the origin of Tiki, Maui, Waiata and Koro brand names.

He shares highlights including making wines for his parents, and announces Tiki’s approval for regenerative certification by A Greener World, while discussing wider regenerative goals via the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation. He closes by sharing why he'd choose Woody Harrelson as his dream wine companion.

www.tikiwine.com

www.nzwinepodcast.com

www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast

Music track featured on this podcast: ‘Here He Was’ – courtesy of Brent Page. Dog Squad Music

We chat with Jen Parr, winemaker at Valli Wine in Central Otago, New Zealand.

Jen grew up in Oregon, USA and spent nearly a decade in the tech industry before following her passion for wine to New Zealand via a grape-picking trip in southwest France. She shares the story of her winding path - from Stanford University to software sales in London, to cellar hand at Villa Maria, and ultimately to head winemaker at Valli, where she has now crafted 12 harvests across five sub-regions including the Waitaki Valley.

Jen talks about what drew her to Central Otago, her mentorship under Grant Taylor, and her philosophy that wine is fundamentally a language - a narrator of place, geology, and time. She also discusses Valli's expanding range of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Gris, the winery's charity wine series that supports local causes, and her passion for community, mentoring the next generation of winemakers, and championing New Zealand wine as a whole - not just her own label.

The episode closes with Jen's personal answer to the final question: who she'd share a glass of wine with, what, where and why.

www.valliwine.com

www.nzwinepodcast.com

www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast

Music track featured on this podcast: ‘Here He Was’ – courtesy of Brent Page. Dog Squad Music

Nicholas Paris MW, and Managing Director of his family's Monte Christo Winery in Central Otago, reflects on his journey through the wine world, the vision behind revitalising this historic estate, and the balance between honouring legacy and crafting elegant, site-driven wines that speak to the region.

A Master of Wine with experience spanning retail, auctions, distribution, and international wine consultancy, he brings a global perspective to one of New Zealand’s most significant wine sites shaping its next chapter with both respect and ambition.

www.montechristowinery.co.nz

www.nzwinepodcast.com

www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast

Music track featured on this podcast: ‘Here He Was’ – courtesy of Brent Page. Dog Squad Music

Ismo Koski - co-owner of Apéro on Karangahape Road with his partner Leslie Hottiaux, the chef behind the kitchen - joins the podcast to talk wine, food, and creating experiences that take people on a journey. With a focus on wines of difference and thoughtfully crafted dishes, they aim to help guests discover new flavours, try something different, and enjoy a truly memorable night out.

This episode is #3 in our Karangahape Road wine bars and eateries series, continuing to showcase the people and ideas that make this Auckland street a hub for adventurous dining and drinking.

www.apero.co.nz

www.nzwinepodcast.com

www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast

Music track featured on this podcast: ‘Here He Was’ – courtesy of Brent Page. Dog Squad Music

Jonathan Thévenard, owner of Pici on Karangahape Road in Auckland, joins the podcast to talk food, wine, and the joy of keeping things simple and honest. He shares his journey into hospitality, the philosophy behind Pici’s much-loved pasta, and their focus on natural wines that complement the menu and bring a sense of discovery to every meal. Creating a welcoming, vibrant space for guests is central to everything they do.

This episode is #2 in our Karangahape Road wine bars and eateries series, continuing our exploration of the people and ideas shaping one of Auckland’s most exciting dining streets.

www.picipasta.co.nz

www.nzwinepodcast.com

www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast

Music track featured on this podcast: ‘Here He Was’ – courtesy of Brent Page. Dog Squad Music

Matt Gossett, owner of Atelier on Karangahape Road and several other hospitality ventures around Auckland, joins the podcast to talk wine, food, and the energy that defines one of the city’s most dynamic streets. Known for a vibrant programme of wine dinners, collaborations, and special events, Matt shares his journey into hospitality and the thinking behind creating places that bring people together.

This episode is the first in three of our new mini series exploring Karangahape Road wine bars and eateries, digging into the people, ideas, and hospitality culture shaping this iconic Auckland neighbourhood.

www.atelierkrd.co.nz

www.nzwinepodcast.com

www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast

Music track featured on this podcast: ‘Here He Was’ – courtesy of Brent Page. Dog Squad Music

John Belsham, founder of Foxes Island Wines, is a pioneer of New Zealand winemaking with a career spanning more than four decades. Having established one of Marlborough’s early independent wineries, he has helped shape the country’s modern wine identity through both his own wines and extensive consulting work with producers in New Zealand and abroad. John shares insights from his journey in the industry, reflections on craftsmanship and longevity, and what continues to inspire his pursuit of quality and authenticity in wine.

www.foxes-island.co.nz

www.nzwinepodcast.com

www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast

This episode is brought to you with thanks to www.bizebu.com - Let's get your business started!

Music track featured on this podcast: ‘Here He Was’ – courtesy of Brent Page. Dog Squad Music

Jenna Sisson, owner of The Hour Glass wine bar in New Plymouth, was recently named among the Top 100 Sommeliers New Zealand. Her welcoming venue celebrates great wine, good company, and genuine connection.

From wine enthusiast to bar owner, Jenna’s journey has taken her to hundreds of vineyards across New Zealand, experiences that have shaped her approach to creating a thoughtful and diverse wine list.

She shares the inspiration behind The Hour Glass, the stories that make wine personal, and what​ how she loves introducing customers to new experiences​.

www.hourglass.co.nz

www.nzwinepodcast.com

www.instagram.com/nzwinepodcast

This episode is brought to you with thanks to www.bizebu.com - Let's get your business started!

Music track featured on this podcast: ‘Here He Was’ – courtesy of Brent Page. Dog Squad Music