Our Story

Winemaker Sam Harrop picking grapes on Waiheke Island

SAM HARROP KNOWS WINE

New Zealand-born Master of Wine Sam Harrop has spent nearly half his life living and breathing wine and was recognised as one of the top 10 most influential wine consultants in the world.

From his early years as a flying wine buyer for top UK retailer Marks and Spencer, to his more recent roles as speaker, educator, and co-chair of one of the world’s biggest wine competition, Sam has retained his passion for pushing boundaries and sharing his knowledge.

His respect for provenance and sustainability is the driver behind his boutique wine-making operation in New Zealand.  

Focusing on preserving wine diversity and elevating a sense of place in wine, Sam makes small volumes of mainly single vineyard wines in his signature sympathetic style. His wines are globally appreciated and provide a touchpoint for his philosophy in wine and life: to continually challenge conventions.

“Sam combines a rigorous scientific mind with a heartfelt respect for people and nature and an innate sensitivity to what makes wine great.”

ANDREAS KUBACH – Bodegas Fontana, Spain

Professional services

Winemaker Sam Harrop drinking wine in front of oak barrels

Technical Consulting

Sam’s technical reputation is built on producing commercially successful wines that remain true to their origins.  He works almost exclusively with small to medium-sized wineries around the world that share the goal of making wines with real character and a sense of provenance.

His work includes:

  • Independent review of current viticultural and winemaking practices
  • Winemaking plans encompassing new product development
  • Advice on natural/non-interventional and environmentally responsible approaches to winemaking
  • Independent review of quality management systems
  • Advice on starting up a winery
Winemaker Sam Harrop at Speaking Event

Educating

Sam has been privileged to hold a number of respected roles in the wine world, including 10 years as co-chairman at the International Wine Challenge. These diverse and rewarding roles allow him to give back to the wine industry through education and research initiatives.

His work includes:

  • Wine judging
  • Seminar presentations
  • Media commentating
  • Trade debates
  • Writing for technical and consumer press
  • Mentoring
Winemaker Sam Harrop using wine thief in front of oak barrels

Sales and Marketing

What does it take for a wine to succeed in the crowded global marketplace? First and foremost: A market-led approach.  Sam provides a unique and personalised bridge to market calling on his knowledge of wine brand building, marketing and PR, and a global network of connections across many segments of the wine industry.

He works to support development of the overall marketing strategy, including:

  • Guidance on branding, packaging and pricing
  • Translation and dissemination of technical messages to market
  • Advice on PR strategy
  • Development of distribution strategy

Check out Authentic Wine

Authentic Wine Book Cover by Sam Harrop MW and Jamie Goode
Buy it now

Best-selling wine writer Jamie Goode teams up with winemaker and Master of Wine Sam Harrop to explore the wide range of issues surrounding authenticity in wine. Drawing on a global array of examples and anecdotes, Goode and Harrop examine complex concepts―terroir, biodynamics, and sustainability―in clear language, Authentic Wine illuminates a subject of great interest to wine producers, consumers, and anyone wondering where the wine industry is headed.

Performs the invaluable service of raising crucial questions and explaining complicated issues coherently.

– The New York Times

A book with a long shelf life. Once read, it is one to dip in and out of regularly.

– Mary Gorman-McAdams of The Kitchn