Malcolm Rees-Francis | Winemaker

Being born into a South Canterbury sheep-farming family meant Malcolm knew he didn’t want to be a farmer for the rest of his life, so it was off to Otago University to study Microbiology. Four years later Malcolm knew he didn’t want to be a scientist for the rest of his life, but hey winemaking sounds like fun...

Seven years in the industry later he discovered his Great-Great-Great-Grandfather was from a winegrowing family in the Azores; and his draw to the world of wine suddenly made a lot of sense.

Equally strong was the draw to the dusty tors and burns of Central Otago, where Pinot Noir rules with an iron fist (although it wears a velvet glove). First as Assistant Winemaker at lauded Felton Road, and now as solo Winemaker at Rockburn, Malcolm continues a tradition of excellence, with the occasional break for rocking out in the barrel hall.