Siobán Harnett - Viticulturist
Biography
Siobán Harnett loves to grow grapes. Her passion for the vine, coupled with impeccable viticulture and business cr/edentials led to Siobán's appointment in 2003, following the departure of founding viticulturist Ivan Sutherland.
Five years as Marlborough viticulturist for Villa Maria, managing the company's Seddon Vineyards, scouting and developing new blocks, and directing a grower base of 24 afforded Siobán a unique opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the region's sub-climates and soils, and their influence on the finished wines.
In her role at Cloudy Bay she is responsible for the management of 230 hectares of estate vineyards at five sites and oversees the management of five contract growers' vineyards, which are dotted at ideal sites around the greater Wairau Valley. Soon after joining the company, Siobán began directing the development of a new site in the Omaka Valley, dedicated almost entirely to pinot noir. The block produced its first crop in 2007 and early indications are very promising.
Initially trained in agriculture and viticulture at Lincoln University and UC Davis, in 2002 Siobán completed an MBA at Victoria University in Wellington. Siobán's viticultural skills are complemented by an astute palate, which she hones at every opportunity ... when she is not cooking for friends, travelling, writing her regular contributions to Mentelle Notes, salsa dancing or tending her whippet, Thomas.
