Sioban Harnett - Viticulturist
Sioban brings open-minded objectivity and academic self-discipline to her role as Viticulturist for Whitehaven. She holds a key position at the winery; managing Whitehaven’s own vineyards and responsible for maintaining close relationships with Whitehaven’s dedicated contract growers.
She came to Whitehaven with a reputation as a respected viticulturist of wide experience and sound judgement, skilled in her understanding of the soils of Marlborough and a deft hand at bringing out the best from individual sites.
Drawn to the world of wine after completing a Bachelor of Agriculture at Canterbury’s Lincoln College, Sioban took up a scholarship to the University of California Davis where the winemaking faculty is world renown. Her first taste of winemaking and viticulture led to a post-graduate diploma and the realisation that she naturally gravitated to the viticultural aspect of her studies.
Early roles within the New Zealand wine industry gave her experience of the sites and soils of Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and Auckland as well as Marlborough. Keen to extend her grasp of the business imperatives that influence winemaking, Sioban completed a Master of Business Administration at Wellington’s Victoria University; advanced training for the problem-solving challenges of the role of viticulturist.
It’s a job that requires sound judgement skills, strategically managing the fruit supply while maintaining close connections with growers. But her priority is always to deliver fruit which has the textures, the aromas, the flavours required by the winemaker.
A viticulturist of intensity and precision, Sioban is an essential link in the winery chain, her discerning judgement and sharp focus helping to secure Whitehaven’s reputation for pure Marlborough wines of exceptional quality.
IT’S ESSENTIAL TO UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS VALUED BY OUR WINEMAKERS, TO MANAGE THE SEASONAL VARIABLES AND TO DELIVER GRAPES WHICH ALLOW US TO CONSISTENTLY PRODUCE THE SMART WINES ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAND.
