Dom Maxwell to Retire from Greystone; Paul Donaghy appointed as Chief Executive Officer; Georgia Melhlhopt Promoted to Winemaker
After 21 years with Greystone Wines, Dom Maxwell has decided to retire to pursue his own wine endeavours with his Forager brand and to spend more time with his family.
Peter Thomas, from the Thomas Family that owns the Company, said .... ”We find this a very reasonable and understandable decision by Dom. He has spent his whole working career to date with Greystone, building the Company through all its formative stages to where the Company finds itself today. When he joined us, our vines were not even planted.
In 2012, when Dom was asked by an interviewer whether he had a “motto”, he answered ... ” All know the way, but few actually take it.” This decision to take a new step is his career is Dom’s way of saying ... “I’m actually taking a new way.” We all wish him, his wife Nadia and their two daughters the very best for the future.”
Starting as a vineyard hand planting the original vineyard, Dom progressed into wine-making while completing his post-graduate diploma in Viticulture and Oenology from Lincoln University. He assumed the Chief Winemaker role in 2008, and quickly became one of New Zealand’s most recognised and awarded winemakers. He was named “Winemaker of the Year” in 2018 and 2011.
Thomas continued ... ”It is very difficult to record all Dom’s great successes. His wines have won many trophies in competitions around the world and far too many medals to count and recite. To name two extraordinary achievements, his 2012 Thomas Brothers’ Pinot Noir won the Decanter International Trophy in London, and recently his Greystone 2021 Organic Chardonnay won three prestigious trophies at the London International Wine Show, including the Organic Trophy.”
When awarding Dom the New Zealand Winemaker of the Year Award in 2018, the chair of judges, Bob Campbell (Master of Wine) said, “This award acknowledges Dom Maxwell’s thoughtful and often innovative winemaking practices and his contribution to the wider wine industry both directly and by example.”
Announcing Paul Donaghy as the New Chief Executive Peter Thomas said ... ”We are delighted to announce that Paul Donaghy has been appointed as Chief Executive of Greystone Wines. Paul’s wide experience in the New Zealand Wine industry and export markets provides a terrific platform from which Greystone can launch into the next step of its growth.”
Paul Donaghy is the current General Manager of Nevis Bluff Wines. Prior to that, he was General Manager of Rockburn Wines in Central Otago and succeeded in building that Company into being one of Central Otago’s premier wine companies and a major exporter to international markets.
Paul Donaghy said ...” I am excited to take on this role. The Greystone team over the last 20 years has built a formidable reputation as a producer of iconic New Zealand wines. I am excited to be in a position to add to that history and guide the Company forward.”
A testimonial to a great leader is the people the leader leaves behind when he decides to take another path. Dom Maxwell has produced such emerging leaders.
Dom Maxwell said ... ”We are very pleased to announce that Georgia Mehlhopt has accepted the position of Winemaker at Greystone. Georgia was named the New Zealand 2024 Young Winemaker of the Year.
Georgia has been an integral part of the Greystone team over recent years, where she brings a wonderful palate and understanding of the Greystone winemaking philosophy. We are excited about her future as the Greystone Winemaker.”
Georgia said ... “It has been such a privilege to work with Dom over the last four years. I look forward to taking his legacy forward and building on those achievements while introducing a touch of youth to Greystone.”
