Stony Batter, renowned producers of quality Waiheke Island wines are delighted to announce the appointment of Matthew Lay to the position of head winemaker. Matthew has been with Stony Batter since early 2003, and has worked in the capacity of assistant winemaker, getting a feeling for the multiple characters of our various sites and the unique terroir which we have on the eastern end of Waiheke Island. It was the large, high quality 2004 vintage that saw Matt really shine, guiding the brilliant fruit from the vine, through the winery and into some of the best wines we have produced to date at Stony Batter, making crucial decisions and judgments that have proven to be absolutely correct

So it was virtually a given that Matt would take on the head winemaker’s role with confidence. Not only was it clear from the outset that Matt had the skills and expertise to step up to the plate, as it were, and take on this most important mantle, it was his passion and commitment that showed how valuable he would be to the team and the company at large.

A quick scan of Matt’s CV left an indelibly good impression as to his experience. After completing a post graduate diploma in Oenology and Viticulture at Lincoln University in 1998 Matt worked an astounding eleven vintages in just six years, earning some serious air miles as he jumped between hemispheres to get his hands on as much hands on winemaking experience as he could. Four successive vintages in Bordeaux and the Languedoc offered Matt a unique opportunity to soak up some expert experience at the hands of some of France’s leading winemakers; a spin off was that he became very fluent in French, some of which is printable!’ A stint in Spain in 2000 and Chile in 2001 saw Matt broaden his experience with both varieties and climactic conditions; vintages at both Nobilo and Harrier Rise in New Zealand has meant he has been able to apply Old World techniques to New World philosophies.

And to further his experience, Matt will be heading to the Napa Valley later in the year to work with the world renowned and much respected winemaker Philippe Melka. Opportunities like this do not come up often, and it is typical of Matt’s go-ahead attitude that he’s seized the chance to further his skills and broaden his knowledge. This invitation to work with Philippe ‘was totally unexpected and simply cannot be bought.’

Experience in another environment will be ‘absolutely crucial to developing my skills,’ says Matt.

He has already shown that he can successfully harness the idiosyncrasies of the terroir at Stony Batter, and apply his vision, talents and experience to produce complete, stunning wines, wines that show the full potential of what can be achieved at Stony Batter estates. And he does it with enthusiasm, craftsmanship, sheer hard work and unbridled passion.

We are delighted that Matt has accepted the position; he’s already proven his worth many times over, and in particular with the excellent results he has coaxed out of the 2004 vintage. Now all we want do to is further taste the fruits of his expertise!