Head winemaker at Lion, Jane De Witt, described the evolution and intricacies of creating a sparkling wine as an exciting and deeply rewarding process. With worldly experience and an eye for what makes a great wine, De Witt feels privileged to be a part of the NZ Wine Industry with so many passionate individuals.
After studying viticulture and learning about wine as a sales assistant at Glengarry Wines, De Witt travelled overseas to gain experience. From vintage work in Surrey, England, to visiting amazing winery capitals in Italy, De Witt returned to New Zealand to begin work as a lab technician at Corbans. Moving her way up to winemaker and finding herself working at companies like Lindauer and Deutz, De Witt loved the variation in her roles.
Now the Head Winemaker for Lion, De Witt draws on her creative side when crafting sparkling wine for the company. The time and patience it takes to reap the rewards of sparkling wine is an exciting process that continues to amaze her. As Lion always aims to make the best wine it can, De Witt explained how the company pays attention to current trends and what consumers are looking for.
“Today we are more aware of our environmental footprint – less means more, quality without compromise,” De Witt said.
Lion’s comprehensive sustainability strategy includes targets and measures focusing on three major aspects: environment, social, and governance. Lion has ongoing efforts to be world-class in their water efficiency, to reduce the impact of their packaging, and continue moving towards a carbon-zero footprint.
Some highlights of De Witt’s career include working with a well-known and family-owned Italian company, Zonin, to produce Lindauer Prosecco. This experience gave De Witt a larger appreciation for prosecco and brought Lindauer Prosecco DOC and Lindauer Prosecco Rose to NZ shelves. Another highlight includes Lindauer Special Reserve Vintage 2017 Brut being awarded eight golds and four trophies in Wine Shows since its release in 2019.
Feeling privileged to have a job she loves and work for a company that encourages her to be the best she can be, De Witt takes small victories by enjoying a good glass of bubbles herself.
“A great wine is a wine that someone enjoys drinking and will buy again,” De Witt said.
De Witt advised those interested in the wine industry to be open to learning all aspects, to take every opportunity that presents itself, and continue tasting wine. Find a good mentor, get your hands dirty, do a couple of vintages, and find out what you like.
