Marlborough-based winery Astrolabe has announced the appointment of Libby Waghorn Levett to General Manager.
Waghorn Levett is the daughter of the winery’s founders – Jane Forrest-Waghorn and Simon Waghorn.
She takes over the role from her mother, having previously worked as a lawyer in Queensland before moving with her husband to Marlborough in August 2019.
The move follows consolidating family ownership in 2018, when the Waghorns’ bought out their two founding partners, who started the winery alongside Simon and Jane.
The extended Waghorn family – Libby’s sister Arabella Waghorn (Brand Manager and winemaking apprentice), cousin Sophie McLernon (Business Development and Regional Sales Manager), and father Simon Waghorn (Winemaker and Director) – now own and manage the winery.
Jane will continue to work alongside her daughter in her capacity as Owner and Director.
The brand also launched new packaging with its 2019 vintage release, which began hitting US shelves in spring 2020.
Astrolabe, known for focusing on distinct Marlborough subregions such as Awatere Valley, doesn’t have a hierarchical range with entry, reserve and premium, but rather each wine is made in a distinct style reflecting the unique terroir it comes from.
“We wanted the labels to better tell our story,” says Arabella Waghorn. “Astrolabe has always been a small family producer, but now we have made that clearer by including ‘Waghorn family wines’ on many of the labels as well as returning Simon’s signature, which was on the first release of an Astrolabe wine.
“Our goal was to ensure that the packaging reflects the high quality that we have become known for.”
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