Growing up in England and studying marine biology in Scotland may not sound like the ideal pathway to a winemaking career, but it’s been effective for Giesen Chief Winemaker, Duncan Shouler.
After beginning his marine biology studies in Scotland, he transferred to the University of Auckland for his final year. Sold on the Kiwi outdoors life he remained in New Zealand after his studies, moving to Bay of Plenty as a scuba instructor. After a couple of years, he returned to university completing a Masters in Winemaking.
While studying winemaking, Duncan worked and undertook research in Marlborough and for the following few years he gained winemaking experience throughout New Zealand including Martinborough and Central Otago, as well as completing vintages in Bordeaux and California.
Duncan’s experience at boutique wineries, large commercial operations and every winery in between has shaped his winemaking approach. He always aims to incorporate small, hands-on winemaking techniques and philosophies, even when he’s making accessible, good value wines.
Duncan’s thirst for knowledge has led him on the journey of becoming a Master of Wine, with stage one (of three stages) successfully under his belt.
A large portion of Duncan’s winemaking career has focused on Pinot Noir. He loves the challenge of this fickle variety and its ability to express its origins so clearly, saying there’s nothing quite like a great Pinot Noir! That said, Duncan loves all wine and all varieties, claiming his favourite wine is the next bottle he’s about to open that he hasn’t tried before.
Working for Giesen means Duncan is based in the heart of the beautiful Marlborough environment so when he’s not working he can indulge his favourite outdoor pursuits such as; diving, kayaking, fishing and hiking. Duncan recommends the Mt Fishtail overnight hike as one of the region’s finest – suggesting the perfect reward for completing the overnight tramp is a bottle of Giesen Single Vineyard Pinot Noir.
Duncan started at Giesen in 2017 as Senior Winemaker, he assumed the role of Chief Winemaker in 2020 and with the growth of the winery and operations in Marlborough he has now taken on the role of Director of Winemaking.
“We have an amazing depth of talent across the entire Giesen winemaking and production teams. Being a family-owned business we’re close-knit and everyone from our long-term growers, to our viticultural and past and current winemaking team, has had a hand in the outstanding quality of our wines. This is a great opportunity to build on what we have already achieved and continue to influence the style of Giesen Wines.”
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