Shaky Bridge, one of Central Otago’s original producers of Pinot Noir, has announced Mike Kush as its new winemaker and General Manager.
Taking its name from a historic bridge in the region and the location of its home block vineyard in Alexandra, Shaky Bridge has been producing wine in Central Otago since 1980.
The winery is located in Alexandra right along the Otago Central Rail Trail and will welcome guests to the winery this year.
“We are one of the original wineries in Central Otago with my parents Gill and the late Bill Grant planting some of the first vines in the region back in 1973,” says Dave Grant, owner and winemaker of Shaky Bridge
“Mike, with his range of experiences, passion for the region, and commitment to quality, is the perfect person to come on board and lead the winery.
“He knows the best wines in the world with one foot in the old world and one foot in the new world, and has a vision for where Central Otago and Pinot Noir from the region can go.”
Originally from Chicago, USA, Kush began his winemaking career in Sonoma County and has worked for wineries worldwide, including New Zealand, Burgundy, Mosel, Argentina, Portugal, and South Africa.
He is also the winemaker and owner of Chasing Harvest wines, producing wines in New Zealand and Douro, Portugal, and is currently a candidate for the Masters of Wine.
Kush says he is passionate about Alexandra.
“With its unique soils and being a cooler corner of Central Otago, it can produce the best the region has to offer. There is a lot of excitement about what is happening here.
“My vision is to enhance the quality further while still providing great value, opening our doors to visitors, and championing our wines and the region’s wines to key markets globally.”
Did you know?
There are six ways you can catch up with The Shout NZ?
Our print magazine – new issue out soon! Subscribe here.
Online, updated daily with its own unique content and breaking news.
Our weekly newsletter – free to your inbox! Subscribe here.
Our digital magazines – the latest issues are online now.
We are also on Facebook and Instagram!
