Peter Hubscher was a pivotal figure in the fledgling New Zealand wine market after dipping his toes in winemaking waters in Hawke's Bay in the 1960s.
He's now written a memoir of his time at the top of the winemaking business, called The Vintner's Tale.
But those early days exposed him to some fraudulent practices that were widespread at the time that nearly put him off his career altogether.
Travels through Europe with his wife Pam opened his eyes to what could be achieved in New Zealand, and a chance encounter with Frank Yukich landed him at Montana Wines, where he rose to be its Managing Director.
Over 40 years with the company, Peter helped establish sauvignon blanc as a seminal Kiwi brand, introduce techniques influenced by European and American vintners and connect the Montana name with Sunday Theatre, Wearable Arts and the national Book Awards.
That love of the arts has meant no quiet retirement for him either - he and Pam founded the Tironui Music Trust which supports disadvantaged kids to learn music. He joins Kathryn to talk about his career.
Photo: Supplied
