Ross Wise
Winemaker
Nickname
I'm normally the one giving other people nicknames.
Where did you grow up?
The far south of New Zealand.
Where did you go to school?
Charles Sturt University.
What is your education?
Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science. WSET Level 4 Diploma. Currently a Stage 3 Master of Wine Candidate.
What do you do at Black Hills?
Winemaker: therefore key duties include making coffee, making lists, questioning lab results, forklifting, and checking the weather forecast.
What do you do before?
Winemaker across the road at Phantom Creek Estates. Similar duties to those listed above.
How long have you been at Black Hills?
Not long enough to acquire an espresso machine for the cellar. Will keep working on that.
Stelvin or cork?
Very high quality cork. Otherwise, Stelvin.
Red, white, bubbles or rose?
Don’t forget fortified!
What’s your favourite grape?
Changes frequently. I can appreciate all grapes. I have a soft spot for lesser known and indigenous varieties.
Favourite pairing ever?
Muscadet and oysters.
Favourite Black Hills wine other than NB?
Syrah.
Guilty pleasure?
Single origin coffee. And cheese.