The Flying Winemaker Announces All-Star Winemaking Team at Gladstone Vineyard, New Zealand
Originally announced: 16 June 2022
The Flying Winemaker Group announced an exciting new chapter for Gladstone Vineyard in Wairarapa, New Zealand, with rising-star winemaker Monty Petrie appointed Estate Winemaker and acclaimed Australian winemaker Steve Flamsteed joining as Winemaking Advisor for the estate’s icon winemaking program.
It’s a combination of fresh ideas, global experience and deep regional knowledge — all focused on one goal: making great wine from the Wairarapa.
A New Chapter for Gladstone Vineyard
Established in 1986, Gladstone Vineyard sits in the heart of the Wairarapa, one of New Zealand’s most respected regions for Pinot Noir.
Since acquiring Gladstone Vineyard in 2018, The Flying Winemaker Group has been focused on developing the estate and building its network of premium vineyards and growers across the Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay.
For founder and CEO Eddie McDougall, bringing the right winemaking talent together is an important part of that journey.
“Fine wine doesn’t make itself. It’s grown and nurtured through a long process.”
McDougall describes Petrie and Flamsteed as a dynamic combination of youth, ambition, wisdom and experience, with the team working toward Gladstone Vineyard’s ambition of becoming a leading producer of New Zealand Pinot Noir while representing the Wairarapa and its people.
Monty Petrie: Bringing Global Experience Home
Born and raised in South Wairarapa in a sheep- and grape-growing family, Monty Petrie developed his connection to wine through the family vineyards.
After completing a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University, Petrie gained international experience through vintages at respected wineries including Cullen in Margaret River, JJ Confuron in Burgundy and Crocker & Starr in Napa Valley.
He later returned to New Zealand, working at Man O’ War on Waiheke Island before joining The Coterie in Marlborough alongside winemakers Ben Glover and Rhyan Wardman.
Returning to the Wairarapa in 2021, Petrie joined Gladstone Vineyard with a clear ambition: to bring the knowledge and experience gained around the world back to his home region.
His appointment as Estate Winemaker marked an important step in that vision.
Steve Flamsteed Joins as Winemaking Advisor
Alongside Petrie, Steve Flamsteed brings decades of Australian and international winemaking experience to Gladstone Vineyard.
Flamsteed was the founding chief winemaker of Giant Steps in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, having previously worked with Yarra Burn and Leeuwin Estate, as well as completing vintages in France across Alsace, Provence and Brouilly.
A graduate of Roseworthy Agricultural College and a Len Evans Scholar, Flamsteed has also served as a senior judge on the Australian wine show circuit.
As Winemaking Advisor, he will help guide Gladstone Vineyard’s icon winemaking program, working with Petrie and the wider team to maintain a strong focus on quality.
The Flying Winemaker: Wine Without Borders
The Gladstone Vineyard project reflects the wider philosophy of The Flying Winemaker: great wine does not need to be restricted by geography, tradition or expectations.
Led by founder and winemaker Eddie McDougall, The Flying Winemaker is an award-winning modern wine producer with a growing collection of New World brands.
Its winemakers are encouraged to explore new regions, experiment with blends and discover different varietals and wine styles — from classic expressions to more alternative approaches.
At the heart of it all is a simple belief:
Great wine should be enjoyed by everyone.
For Gladstone Vineyard, that means bringing together the land, people and winemaking talent of the Wairarapa to write the next chapter of an established New Zealand wine estate.
Who are the winemakers behind Gladstone Vineyard?
The Flying Winemaker Group appointed Monty Petrie as Estate Winemaker and Steve Flamsteed as Winemaking Advisor at Gladstone Vineyard in Wairarapa, New Zealand. Together, they combine local knowledge, international winemaking experience and a shared focus on producing premium New Zealand wines, particularly Pinot Noir.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Gladstone Vineyard?
The Flying Winemaker Group acquired Gladstone Vineyard in 2018 and has since worked to develop the estate and its network of premium vineyard and grower relationships across Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay.
Who is Monty Petrie?
Monty Petrie is a New Zealand winemaker from South Wairarapa. He studied Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University and gained winemaking experience in New Zealand, Australia, France and the United States before returning to the Wairarapa.
Monty Petrie, Gladstone Vineyard Estate Winemaker
Who is Steve Flamsteed?
Steve Flamsteed is an acclaimed Australian winemaker and former chief winemaker of Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley. He joined Gladstone Vineyard as Winemaking Advisor, contributing his extensive Australian and international winemaking experience.
Steve Flamsteed, The Flying Winemaker’s Winemaking Advisor, Icon Wine Program
Eddie McDougall, The Flying Winemaker’s Founder & Group CEO
What wine is Gladstone Vineyard known for?
Gladstone Vineyard is based in the Wairarapa, a prominent New Zealand wine region known particularly for Pinot Noir. The estate’s ambition is to become a leading producer of New Zealand Pinot Noir.
Why is the Wairarapa important for New Zealand wine?
The Wairarapa is one of New Zealand’s important premium wine regions, with Martinborough and surrounding areas particularly recognised for Pinot Noir and other cool-climate wine styles.