Sam Smail - Senior Winemaker
The precision of a scientific mind coupled with the creative flair of an innovator gives senior winemaker Sam Smail his edge. Sam has been with the Whitehaven since 2000; his role, the crossover between science and art.
Given his first glimpse of the world of wine by way of a secondary school visit to North Canterbury wineries, Sam had joined his university wine club as a young student. But his tertiary education did not lead him straight into winemaking. He graduated from the University of Canterbury in 1995 with a degree in Chemistry including a paper in microbiology.
However, a little travel, a little business, and the wish to use his science qualifications prompted him to complete a post-graduate degree at the University of Adelaide and head for the Napa Valley, then Italy.
The winemaking career path also included Marlborough and the chance to work at Whitehaven, where he would have the freedom to use his own judgement and develop the confidence and expertise which show through today in Whitehaven’s exceptional range of classical Marlborough varieties.
As a winemaker with an enquiring mind and a propensity to experiment, Sam’s skills ensure that Whitehaven’s range of premium wines continue to encapsulate the intense flavours and aromas that have made Marlborough’s winemaking reputation.