Still family-owned, we're nurturing the next generation of Hunter’s winemakers.
Still in the family
Jane Hunter, CNZM, OBE
Executive Director
Born in South Australia, where her father was a contract grape grower, Jane gained a degree in Agricultural Science at the University of Adelaide. Jane has been described by the London Sunday Times as the First Lady of New Zealand wine and was awarded an OBE for service to the wine industry in 1993. Jane has an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Massey University and received the inaugural Wine & Spirit Competition Women in Wine Award.
James Macdonald
Chief Operating Officer and Senior Winemaker
Jane's nephew, Peter's son, James completed his degree in Oenology and Viticulture at Lincoln University. Having done many vintages overseas, he is now Senior Winemaker at Hunter's. With three generations of winemaking behind him, James still maintains focus on ensuring that Hunter’s wine styles are evolving yet remaining classic examples of the best that Marlborough has to offer. James spends his weekends in the boat and taking his young sons for tractors rides, nurturing their interest in the business.
Ed Macdonald
Chief Financial Officer
Ed is Jane's younger Nephew. He joined the family business in early 2015 after completing a Business Degree at Victoria University and spending 18 months working in London. The calling was always there to join brother James in the family business. General Manager is as it says, quite general and on any given day, he can be overseeing bottling, production and export logistics. As well as getting involved with budgets, playing around with packaging, finance, sales, and whatever else needs doing in a family business.
Vineyard dogs
Hunter's have always been known for their dogs, probably reminded by the Hunter's crest although that was never intentional. Those who have known us since the beginning will remember Jane and Ernie's St. Bernard, Commodore. As well as Paddy, the Clumber Spaniel. Now James and Edward have a Labrador (Lola) and Border Collie (Billy) who help (or hinder) the day to day operations.
