Chairman of Judges and committee:
Matt Kirby is an Australian who moved to New Zealand in 2015 with his young family to take up the Chief Winemaking role at Clearview Estate in Hawke’s Bay.
The lure of Hawke’s Bay with its abundant sunshine, good surf and friendly people was too good to pass up. “The wines of Hawke’s Bay are world-class and it’s a pleasure to make wine from the unique patch of soils that is Clearview Estate”.
Originally studying marine biology, Matt was also a qualified chef before embarking on a career in wine. “Once I decided to pursue wine, I studied at Latrobe in Melbourne and had a little vineyard in the Yarra Valley producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir”.
“I have worked in many countries during my winemaking career including Australia, China, France (Burgundy), Austria, the United States and now here in New Zealand. I have developed a real passion for the wines of the world”.
2024 Hawke's Bay Wine Awards judges
- Matt Kirby | Clearview Estate
- Emma Jenkins MW
- Nick Picone | Sacred Hill
- Jessica Wood | Noble Rot
- Sam Connew | Hobart, Australia
- Ollie Powrie | Chateau Garage
- Ben Tombs | Craggy Range
- Jordan Robinson | Sacred Hill
- Jillian | Mission Estate
If you would like a manual entry form, please contact admin@hbap.co.nz.