Recently returned from a long overdue trip back to Germany to visit family and friends, Manuela is happy to be ‘home’ again. Her only complaint was having to adjust to the sudden drop in temperature.
Manuela has now lived in New Zealand for the last 25 years and is proud to be called a Kiwi. It was a combined love of travel and the outdoors that was the driver for Manuela and her young family to pack their bags and head to Marlborough in anticipation of a safer, healthier lifestyle. Her second son was born in New Zealand and as soon as both boys were at school, Manuela was keen to find work that suited the school timetable. Working from 9am to 3pm in the vineyards was perfect. And so, her strong connection with the local wine industry began. Manuela did vineyard work at Fromm Wines for some time, Te Whare Ra, Huia Wines, and then experienced a vintage with Nautilus Wines, mainly working in the laboratory, building up her wealth of knowledge along the way.
Her love of nature and respect for the health of the planet sparked an interest in organic farming and was one of the key reasons Manuela joined the team at Rock Ferry Wines. Originally working in the kitchen at the Rock Ferry Restaurant in the early days, she then moved to a front of house role which suited her interest in food and wine matching. An excellent cook and a life-long ‘foodie,’ Manuela also heads the kitchen team at our new cellar door. Her vast viticulture and winemaking knowledge are a huge asset for us and come 2022 she is also your Vineyard Tour Host of personalised tours through our organic Corners Vineyard while guests taste the end product en route. (You will find more details on our website.)
Her energy re-charge package includes regular yoga retreats, exploring the countryside in her blue camper van, and chilling out at music gigs. Do say hello when you next visit.
