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 wine. 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 establish with his brothers, 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 pays off.
THE IMPORTANT TEAM
Our team is currently under construction and will be re-set over the next few months, we’ll update this space as things evolve. We celebrate the pending return of a couple of individuals who have shared the Bell Hill journey with us in the past and welcome a new future with them. Alongside this we are exploring some project and part-time help in some areas we fall behind in so we can keep moving toward the light in a positive and strong way. We still have Sarah in the office, Agnieszka, our Team Leader in the vineyard, and Shane in machinery operation.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
At times, we are 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.