About the Winery
The HAWKSHEAD was established in 2001; Denis Marshall was one of the Gibbston Pinot Pioneers in Central Otago, NZ. A fourth-generation farmer, horticulturist and conservationist, Denis and his partner Ulrike Kurenbach create their Central Otago Wines with integrity and charm.
Denis’ vision and Ulrike’s exquisite palate from her German upbringing and food technology background, paired with winemaker Dean Shaw’s passion and years of experience, is the perfect combination to guarantee each vintage of excellent Hawkshead wines.
Hawkshead produces noteworthy Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Rosé, all made with great care and finesse.
The vineyard name ‘Hawkshead’ is a tribute to Denis’s ancestor, the naturalist William Swainson who settled in New Zealand in 1841 and chose this name for his first homestead in New Zealand. William Swainson’s beautiful bird drawings grace the HAWKSHEAD wine labels.
HAWKSHEAD grapes are from selected sustainable vineyards. Active and careful vineyard management ensures quality and exceptional grapes every year in the perfect growing season.
Meet the Team
Denis Marshall, Ulrike Kurenbach (Owners) Dean Shaw Wine Maker, Gary Crabbe – Viticulturist
Denis Marshall – Be it with his time farming in the Rangitikei District, his work over many years serving New Zealand in public office, or his subsequent role in raising funds to support our county’s nature conservation, Denis has always had a deep, enduring respect and love for the land. This lifelong passion for conservation led him to found the NZ National Parks & Conservation Foundation in 2000, now known as The New Zealand Nature Fund. It is a charitable organisation dedicated to raising funds to save and protect NZ’s unique biodiversity. And it led him to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Central Otago, with its precious raw beauty.
Ulrike Kurenbach – Sometimes being involved with wine can just be in your blood. Ulrike grew up in the Rhineland, one of Germany’s famous wine regions. From an early age, she remembers tasting wine with her family and their influence on her subsequent appreciation for quality wine and the craft of winemaking. Degrees in Food Technology and Art & Design proved to be a good grounding for her involvement in the wine industry after a teaching career in Germany, England and New Zealand. While based in London, she studied for a WSET diploma, ensuring a greater depth of knowledge in her current work. Her love of wine, food and creativity provides the perfect mix for a rewarding life.
Dean Shaw – Wine Maker Dean Shaw has been Hawkshead’s winemaker for over a decade; trusted, experienced, thoughtful and grounded are appropriate adjectives that describe Dean’s involvement with Hawkshead. Add to this his wicked sense of humour makes working together enjoyable and fun. He is also the calm influence when Ulrike panics and above all bring our wines to life by letting the grapes speak for themselves and of their place. Dean holds a Postgraduate Degree in Viticulture and Wine Science from Lincoln University in Canterbury and gained international winemaking experience before settling for good in Central Otago.
Viticulturist Gary Crabbe and his team have worked with Denis & Ulrike for several years. Now Gary has sole responsibility for the grapes at Gibbston which produce Hawkshead’s premium brand First Vines – but only when climate and growing conditions allow. Gary has worked with vineyards throughout Central Otago for over 25 years, and his knowledge and expertise are invaluable.
