Winemaker

Hugh Crichton - Winemaker

Hugh Crichton became Vidal winemaker in 2006, having worked with the Vidal winemaking team in various capacities since 2004.

Prior to joining Vidal, Hugh had established a solid winemaking career both in New Zealand and overseas, working vintages at Chateau Soutard Grande Cru Classe in Saint Emilion France, Chard Farm in Central Otago, Donnafugata in Italy and several at Millton Vineyards in Gisborne where his inspiration for environmentally conscious and organic winemaking and viticulture was fostered. 

During his time in Europe, Hugh had the opportunity to experience many European wines, often which were more elegant in style and food friendly in nature than their New World counterparts.

 His exposure to some of the great wines of this style has been a key influence on his winemaking direction. Producing wines which are truly reflective of the region and vineyards where the grapes are grown is also at the core of Hugh’s winemaking philosophy.

Hugh’s passion for excellence has seen him and the Vidal winemaking team achieve many great award successes in recent years, including:

• Champion Wine of the Show – Syrah (2007 Mercedes-Benz Hawkes Bay Wine Awards);
• Champion Exhibition Wine – Chardonnay (2007 Air New Zealand Wine Awards);
• Champion Viognier (2007 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards);
• Chardonnay Trophy (2008 Air New Zealand Wine Awards),
• Champion Viognier Trophy (2009 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards).