Felton Road Winemaker
Blair Walter has been at the helm of Felton Road since inception in 1997 and their 12,000 case annual production is carefully distributed to over 40 countries worldwide. While it’s their Pinot Noirs that capture most of the limelight, there has always been a strong focus on Chardonnay and honing the unique Central Otago style.
Blair grew up on a farm in rural Waikato and studied Horticultural Science at Lincoln University (Canterbury, N.Z.). His penultimate year of study was spent at Oregon State University where he was involved in their viticulture program and wine sensory evaluation panels. Previous vintage and winemaking experience includes vineyards and wineries in New Zealand, Australia, California, Oregon and Burgundy.
Blair started at Felton Road in 1996, planning and readying the winery for its inaugural vintage in 1997. His skill and wide experience as winemaker brought a minimalist approach: making wines in the simplest, gentlest, most hands-free way possible. Regular visits to other winemaking regions of the world helps Blair keeps abreast of his peers, while indulging in the joy of seeing how far Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can be taken by the established masters of the craft.
“I’m thrilled to be participating in the 2024 Aotearoa Chardonnay Symposium. While I usually wear a Pinot Noir hat, I’d like to think that our Chardonnay one fits pretty snuggly as well, and I’m greatly looking forward to all the in-depth tastings and stimulating discussions."
