Testimonials

The Man!

“Geoff has a knowledge and passion for wine that borders on an obsession! You can’t help
but be carried along by his enthusiasm, and his ability to share his expertise in an
entertaining way.”

Tim Turvey, Proprietor, Clearview Estate Winery

Events
 

“Thank you for a fantastic event!!! …It was excellent to be able to provide a team event and everyone really enjoyed themselves, as well as learning something about our locality. The variety of tastings of both food and beverages were outstanding and I know that some of our people made some detours on their journey home to your suppliers!!!” Datamail Ltd, Auckland  Tours Just wanted to send you a big "thank you" for the great wine tour of your wonderful Hawke's Bay area. I had a great time, as did Randy.
I really wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your patience with my total lack of "official" tasting experience (although I have helped open and enjoy many bottles) and now I feel I can begin to experience wine much more fully and appreciate the huge efforts, expertise and daring that goes into delivering it to our palates. I learned so much that day and am inspired to learn so much more. Thanks Geoff-you're a great teacher! Nancy Morgan, Ft.Collins, Colorado

My Words!

I am a Hawke’s Bay wine specialist with over 20 years experience of tasting wines from around the world.

My interest in wine was developed through corporate hospitality whilst employed in the UK but, in 1998, I gave that all up to pursue my passion for New Zealand, its wines and people. A long-standing love affair with Bordeaux and Rhone style wines confirmed that Hawke’s Bay was the obvious place to settle. Since that time, I gained invaluable ‘grape to bottle’ experience at 3 of the region’s leading wineries.

Whilst developing a particular focus towards Hawke’s Bay’s red wines, I have continued to broaden my knowledge of New Zealand and International wines, gaining qualifications with the internationally recognized Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

In 2002, I was recognised by industry peers as the inaugural ‘Hawke’s Bay Cellar Door Personality of the Year’ – the key criteria for this award being wine knowledge and excellence of service.

In late 2003, I established my own company, Convivium, which promotes the appreciation of Hawke’s Bay wines and foods through tasting events, tours, fine wine sales and consultancy.

Although independent of all wineries, I have since been engaged to showcase Hawke’s Bay wines to a wider audience by representing the local growers associations at leading international and domestic wine trade shows.

Personal highlights include arranging and attending the Gimblett Gravels Masterclass Tastings held in Taupo and London in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

Other consultancy work has included managing the ‘Cellar Door Personality of the Year’ awards process since 2003, compiling a ‘toolkit’ of best practice for winery cellar doors and being an Associate Judge at the 2007 /2008 Hawke's Bay and 2009 Romeo Bragato Wine Awards.

My personal connection with many Hawke’s Bay winemakers – together with a collection of rare vintage wines - places me in a unique position to offer the enthusiast a highly personalized insight into the Hawke’s Bay wine industry.

When not sharing my passion for Hawke’s Bay Wine Country, I spend time with my wife, Rebecca,  and 3 children,  Luke, Alex and Phoebe.