Our People
Alastair Scott
Wellington-based owner, former investment banker Alastair Scott, is involved in the strategic development of the company and shares with winemaker Jane Cooper a hands-on role in expanding export markets.
Jane Cooper
Jane Cooper already had her own label under her belt the day she knocked on Alastair Scott's door in 2002. The extent of her knowledge and commitment impressed him then and Jane continues to maximise the benefits of her experience. "She's the boss", says Alastair.
Inheriting a heightened sense of taste and smell from her mother, Betty, who "had a great palate", Jane credits an early fascintation for wine to the father of a school friend, who gave the teenaged girls an early introduction to restaurants and the pleasures of sharing wine with food, friends and family. She still enjoys a glass of wine with him when in Auckland, and the philosophy of the conviviality of wine continues at Matahiwi.
Postgraduate study at Lincoln University preceded five years at Seifried Estate in Nelson before Jane undertook winemaking stints in Australia's Hunter Valley, Chile and Italy. On her return to Nelson, she consulted and made wine for several companies while launching her own label, Alexia, named after her beloved grandmother.
Jane is a firm believer in continuity in the vineyard. "The biggest asset for any wine business is staff who stay", she says. "It takes three to five years to understand a vineyard and to observe the effects of vine age. It's also essential for the winemaker and viticulturist to work together. I think of it as bridging the gap between the vineyard and the winery."
She also favours a 'caretaker' concept; preferring a lighter rather than a heavier hand in the winery, allowing the wines to express themselves. "That's the way to get the best from the vineyard," she says.
