Our spy agents possess our best kept secrets. And in fact, they are the secret to making the best wine. We might be serious at our wine making, but we’re even more serious about having fun doing it. Our people are part of our family, bringing passion and heart to Spy HQ.
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Amanda Johnson
Managing Director
As the daughter of our founding family, Amanda has Spy Valley in her blood. She is invigorated by the challenges of leading our team, and of inspiring the world of wine. Amanda is passionate about looking after the land for future generations, and knows how crucial sustainability is to both Spy Valley and our wine industry. Amanda is delighted to be fulfilling her long held dream of immersing herself in the family business.
Amanda's Best Kept Secret
'I spent 5 weeks ski touring in the Indian Himalayas in my early 20’s – a life changing, challenging yet exhilarating experience! It taught me that challenge is just an opportunity not learnt yet – regardless of the outcome.'
Favourite Wine and Food Pairing Suggestion
'I’m such a bubbles and oyster gal.'
Adam McCone
Viticulturist
Responsible for all of the estate vineyards and part of the team since 2001, Adam knows Spy Valley inside out.
When not in the vines Adam can be found fishing and diving the Marlborough Sounds or scoring tries on the rugby field.
Adam's Best Kept Secret
'When we first purchased the H171 Wetlands I didn’t know a Kahikatea from a Totara. Now I quite often go for a walk through the wetland and have my lunch in the middle of it.'
Favourite Wine and Food Pairing Suggestion
'Nothing beats Spy Valley Riesling with scallops wrapped in bacon on the BBQ.'
Emily Gaspard-Clark
Winemaker
Emily’s entry to the wine industry happened by chance when she visited a university careers evening, offering information on its Viticulture and Oenology course. She’d already decided to study food science and was caught by the prospect of a job that balanced science and function.
She attended Lincoln University and spent her summers working in vineyards around the country, relishing the active roles and the ability to follow a product from start to finish.
She then went on to spend a number of years interspersing vintages between New Zealand and Australia before finally settling into her role with us in 2017.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with
her husband and her Labrador, Felix, working on their house and garden.
Emily's Best Kept Secret
'In 2019 I was named New Zealand’s Young Winemaker of the Year'
Favourite Wine and Food Pairing Suggestion
'Riesling and dumplings, yum!'
Ashley Robinson
Assistant Winemaker
From Napa, California with many vintages under her belt, Ashley joins our winemaking team with great experience. Along with a Bachelor of Science and studying wine business, we are lucky to have Agent Ashley on team Spy!
Ashley's Best Kept Secret
'I have been playing volleyball for 18 years!'
Favourite Wine and Food Pairing Suggestion
Bubbles and popcorn!
Jassi Brar
Winery Manager
Born in India, Jassi was lured to New Zealand to study winemaking – an ongoing passion. When Agent Jassi isn't in the winery, he's out playing cricket for his local club.
Jassi's Best Kept Secret
'I have been in the wine industry for 10 years'
Favourite Wine and Food Pairing Suggestion
'Tikka Masala matched with our Spy Valley Gewürztraminer, pairs so well with the aromatic spices.'
Daniel Adriatico
Senior Sales and Marketing Manager
No one is really sure where he comes from but he’s definitely been around, and at some point he was based in Las Vegas. What we do know is that he brings a lot of marketing and business knowledge from different industries, including jewellery and music.
If you asked Dan what wine he would be, he’d say a Shiraz, but he’s probably more like an aromatic. On the side he digs jazz, the arts, golf, and cooking for his family and friends.
Daniel's Best Kept Secret
'There is a little statue of my face that I keep moving around the Spy office and cellar door.'
Favourite Wine and Food Pairing Suggestion
'Cloudy Bay moon clams in Thai green curry and Spy Valley Gewurztraminer broth.'
Tony Cloke
European Sales Manager
Based in the UK, Agent Cloke is our European Sales Manager, starting out as Spy Valley's Brand Manager several years ago when he worked for Bibendum Wine, our UK market partner.
In his spare time, Tony supplies a taxi service to his two small children and might occasionally get out on the golf course, if he's lucky!
Tony's Best Kept Secret
'Doing things a little bit differently from the rest.'
Favourite Wine and Food Pairing Suggestion
'My favourite wine is a well-made NZ Chardonnay and favourite pairing is a Riesling and curry.'
Dean McLoughlin
Finance Manager
We are lucky to have Dean as our Finance Manager. When Agent Dean isn't at work he loves nothing more than a cold Sauvignon on the deck, after slaving away in the garden!
Dean's Best Kept Secret
'Working those graveyard shifts down at the Waihopai Spy base...'
Favourite Wine and Food Pairing Suggestion
'Sauvignon Blanc and oysters.'
Paul Nichols
Vineyard Operative
One of Paul's projects is our Area H Vineyard with an emphasis on developing plantings, re-establishing and enticing the native fauna back to this area. Over harvest Agent Nichols is a great help with our hand harvesting.
Paul's Best Kept Secret
'Away from Spy grounds you'll find me in the outdoors; kayaking, camping, free diving, cycling, and enjoying photography along the way!'
Favourite Wine and Food Pairing Suggestion
'A Spy Valley Gewurztraminer paired with fresh caught crayfish'
Abby Seymour
Cellar Door Manager & Marketing Assistant
Abby grew up only a few
minutes down the road in the heart of Marlborough’s vineyards. After travelling and living overseas for almost 10 years (London, to Canada, to Australia), Abby has finally returned to The Land of the Long White Cloud, with husband and 2 boys in tow, to be closer to family.
With a world of travel and tourism knowledge, Abby is excited to meet locals and travellers that wander into our Cellar Door.
Abby's Best Kept Secret
'The Marlborough Sounds – if you haven’t visited this region, put it on your list!'
Favourite Wine and Food Pairing Suggestion
'Spy Valley's Envoy Riesling, enjoyed well-chilled in the afternoon sun an overloaded grazing platter.'
