Jane Hunter

Jane Hunter OBE CNZM is known around the world as the First Lady of New Zealand Wine. As owner, viticulturist and managing director of Hunter’s Wines since 1987, Jane has led the company to outstanding local and international success as one of New Zealand’s ground-breaking premium wine labels.  

As part of her commitment to the wine industry and her passion for research and development, she has been heavily involved in planning for the future growth of New Zealand’s wine industry. This has seen her serve on the Board of the Wine Institute of New Zealand, as a Foundation Director of the New Zealand Wine Guild, as well as Director of Plant and Food Research and NZTE.  J

ane has been highly recognised in her field including an OBE in 1993 for services to viticulture, recipient of the inaugural Women in Wine Award in the UK in 2003, made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009, and was the first woman inducted in the New Zealand Wine Hall of Fame.

She also has an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Massey University.