Bill Spence, Director
Bill is one man who has definitely been around the wine block! He and his brother Ross were the first to produce Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand, the grape variety which put New Zealand on the international wine radar. He was the inaugural chairman of the New Zealand Wine Guild and held a position on the board for six years. During his tenure he was responsible for establishing the New Zealand export base in the UK. He has been General Manager for both Beringer Blass NZ and Matua Valley Wines.

Since graduating from Massey University with a diploma in Horticulture (majoring in viticulture)Bill has been involved in every facet of the wine industry during his career. His early days in the vineyard were followed by driving Matua’s sales and marketing successes and establishing the company as an innovative and trusted wine producer.

With his boisterous personality and great sense of humour Bill has become a well known and respected personality within the New Zealand wine industry. A memorable quote given by a renowned wine writer “Once you’ve met Bill you will always remember him!” Truly one of the great characters of the New Zealand Wine Industry.