Our People
Kaitiaki is a Maori word meaning ‘custodian or caretaker of the land’. This is a perfect expression of our lifestyle and relationship we have with our slice of the Awatere Valley. Kaitiaki is one of the cornerstone principals of our business, an important part of creating truly exquisite artisan NZ wines.
Tūpari is our business, our lifestyle and our home. We guard carefully against polluting our land, keeping it pure and safe for our animals, our children, the whole family…and you, the ones enjoying our wines. Tūpari wines are the labour of our love, and it is our pleasure to share this with you.
Glenn Thomas - Winemaker, Founder, Director, Photographer and MusoExpertly interweaving artistry and science to create beautiful wine, Glenn wants to make the best wine from our land. Glenn is a legend of the region. He produced the valley’s first sauvignon blanc and help establish the reputation of an entire industry. Glenn saw the potential of the river terraces on the Turnbull family farm and from here Tūpari was born. Glenn studied oenology at Roseworthy College, South Australia and worked in the McLaren Vale and the Barossa before moving to the Awatere Valley, New Zealand and make wine from the "best flavoured grapes" he'd ever tasted. Glenn is a sort after adviser to wineries throughout New Zealand, Northern Italy and Southern France, but his primary focus remains the Awatere Valley and his pivotal role at Tūpari. |
Olivia Turnbull Doonan - General Manager of Everything and Everyone.Olivia grew up in the Awatere Valley and embraces a true love and respect for the land. She lives with her family on the family farm, her husband Tahi manages the family’s deer and sheep operation. Olivia’s love and care for all those around her is intrinsically linked to her desire to find pure, authentic and sustainable products and ways of living. For Olivia, Tūpari expresses a lifestyle philosophy based on family, authenticity and sustainability. |
David Turnbull - Vigneron, Founder, Director, Farmer, Engineer and Lawn MowerAn international engineer as well as farmer and vigneron, David wears many hats. David grew up on a farm as a wee boy and vowed to one day return to the land. Tūpari, sitting atop the terraces of his Awatere Valley farm, is the realisation of that dream and testament to his dedication and commitment to the land and his family. |
Heather Turnbull - Founder, Mother, Grandmother, Activist and Team SupportHeather is the glue that holds the Tūpari team together. Her fascination with ideas and the cultivation of the potential of others inspires us each day. A true and committed environmentalist, Heather works on the farm, vineyard and in the community to reduce her impact on the world. Her vision for Tūpari encompasses her belief in her family, her land and the relationship with the environment. |
Tanya Hawley - Sales, Administration, Hockey Champion and Chief Organiser.Tanya keeps our communications flowing and loves all the people she gets to meet through Tupari. Her bright and positive attitude delights all she comes into contact with. Tanya is an events wiz and at wine tastings you'll find Tanya enjoying lively conversations with our wine loving friends. Impeccably organised, Tanya keeps our projects running smoothly and orders fulfilled. If you haven’t already, you can expect to have contact with Tanya's vibrant self in the very the near future.
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