Our Approach
We create wines that balance the best characteristics of Wairau and Awatere Valley fruit to highlight the distinctive, vibrant flavours of Marlborough.
![](/application/files/cache/01cee6bdb548f810ac0ad28499a3f756.jpg)
Stu Marfell
Chief Winemaker
Stu was born and raised in the Awatere Valley not far from The Pass Vineyard. A graduate of Lincoln University, Canterbury with a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology, Stu joined Foley Family Wines in February 2003 as Assistant Winemaker. Stu became our Chief Winemaker in 2007 and was a Finalist at the 2008 & 2009 Young Winemaker of the Year Awards.
![](/application/files/cache/c579f18ec17b81d4eb39baf8eebf5088.jpg)
Susan Van Der Pol
Winemaker
Susan Van Der Pol was raised in Blenheim, the centre of Marlborough’s wine industry. In 2002, she was awarded a diploma in Viticulture & Wine Production from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. Susan then spent two vintages overseas before returning to New Zealand and joining the The Pass team as Assistant Winemaker in 2011.
![](/application/files/cache/2f86289e9dc74a96cea14e1fd96bd6e1.jpg)
Hamish Smith
Assistant Winemaker
Hamish Smith joined the team in 2010, working his way from vintage cellar hand to assistant winemaker. A graduate of Onslow College in Wellington, Hamish spends a lot of time in the cellar focusing on the quality of the wine, ensuring that the final wine blends will stand out from the crowd.