Our People
Bell Hill Vineyard owners, Marcel and Sherwyn, take a very hands-on, traditional approach, working in the vineyard to coax the very best possible wine from Bell Hill’s unique soil.
MARCEL GIESEN AND SHERWYN VELDHUIZEN
Marcel and Sherwyn are quick to correct anyone who calls them ‘winemakers’. They are wine growers, not makers. Both have extensive experience in the wine industry. Marcel studied viticulture and oenology in Germany and, since then, has done numerous vintages in the major winegrowing districts of the world. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1983 to join his brothers in the family business, Giesen Wines. Sherwyn studied viticulture and oenology at Lincoln University in Canterbury and has also worked vintages in New Zealand, Europe and America.
At the end of 1995, after six months in Europe, Marcel and Sherwyn returned to New Zealand and set themselves the goal of finding a plot of land where they could grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with limestone soil derived characteristics which can be defined by structure, acidity and longevity.
They gave themselves a time limit of five years to find this land – it took only six months. On the day before their wedding they signed the papers and their vineyard became a reality.
Marcel and Sherwyn are drawing upon their collective experience to realise the full potential of their vineyard, with its lime-rich soil and unique minerality. They took a risk – the land is very elevated and the climate can be marginal – but you only have to look at their reviews to see that the risk is already paying off.
THE IMPORTANT TEAM
Our permanent team at Bell Hill currently consists of Sarah (Office Administrator), Jules, Stephanie and Agnieszka (Vineyard and/or Machinery Assistants), and John (Organic Farm Manager). This gives us a diverse set of life, cultural, winegrowing and business skills giving strength to our endeavours and plans for our vineyard, farming, and eco habitat development.
To continue building our team, and thinking about Bell Hill in the long term, we are looking to engage in the areas of senior Viticultural/Vineyard Management and/or Winemaker/Winegrower.
We also engage casual staff throughout the year, often viticultural/winemaking interns, or travellers from overseas.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
As of Autumn 2022, we have been advertising for a Viticulturist/General Manager and a Vineyard Manager role.
At times, we are also searching for extra help at Bell Hill, usually for in the vineyard – it may be during the growing season, the harvest, winter pruning or permanent positions. If you have vineyard experience and a calling for growing excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, please contact us at info@bellhill.co.nz.