Welcome Back Amanda!
We are delighted to have Amanda Tollemache back hosting visitors to our cellar door – our new spacious, purpose-built cellar door that is. Amanda previously worked with us back in the day when our wine tasting took place in the busy Rock Ferry Restaurant between the hum of dining patrons and wait staff.
Originally from Auckland, Amanda went to drama school after a brief stint studying to become a lawyer. She knew immediately the theatre was where she belonged. She acted in many live productions for Theatre Corporate and also did some television work; notably Xena: Warrior Princess. Always a somewhat precarious profession, she also did voice-over work and for a time, worked for the Medical Council acting as a ‘patient’ for doctors seeking qualification.
In 1999, married with three young children, Amanda and her husband, Jim Rawdon, made the move to Marlborough, an area they had often visited on holiday and felt an infinity for. Jim was very interested in the wine industry and had worked in Montana Wine’s first vintage here before moving to Seresin Wines for many years. Amanda initially worked at Nautilus Wines then hosted at Cloudy Bay Wines for 10 years. The call of the theatre would pop up from time to time and she would head back to the boards.
A keen gardener and foodie, Amanda re-charges by working in her large flower and vegetable garden.
Here at Rock Ferry Wines we feel very lucky to be able to utilise her many skills and experience once again. Yes, you may still see her back on stage sometime in the future!
