Groves Wine

About

With over 25 years of experience in the wine industry, Simon has honed his craft through a blend of technical precision and creative freedom. His career has been shaped by working alongside some of the industry’s top winemaking experts. Over time, he has embraced a more innovative approach, stepping away from certain traditional methods to focus on a more intuitive, hands-off style. For Simon, the excitement of winemaking lies in guiding the process in the right direction rather than controlling every step, allowing the wine to express itself naturally.

In addition to his role as a winemaker, Simon is a forward-thinking technical consultant, committed to driving sustainable advancements in large-scale wine production. His work in research and development is focused on creating innovative tools and equipment that help winemakers produce wine in a more eco-friendly and efficient way.

Simon channels his creativity through small-volume projects at GROVES & FILLY wines, where he continues to experiment with minimal intervention techniques. He and his family live on a four-hectare property on the outskirts of Martinborough, where they plant vineyards, grow their own food, and care for ponies. His wife Amanda and their three children share in the joys of rural life, blending their passions with the land.

Simon’s journey began in vine nurseries before moving on to winemaking roles at Montana Wines in Gisborne, where he met Amanda. Together, they pursued winemaking opportunities in Italy, where Simon’s work was recognized when one of his wines was named Decanter Magazine's top Italian white in 2007. Now settled in Martinborough, Simon is an integral part of the local wine community, operating the Martinborough Wine Centre and Winequip, while overseeing winemaking at Te Muna Valley Wines.