FELLOWSHIP OF THE VINES

Rudi Bauer, winemaker and proprietor at Quartz Reef in Central Otago, has been recognised as a New Zealand Winegrowers Fellow. An industry leader in biodynamics, Bauer continues to work hard in support of the wines of Central Otago and New Zealand. Thanks to his skill set in making fine pinots gris and noir, chardonnay, grüner veltliner and bottle-fermented sparkling wine, along with his leadership in permaculture farming, he is well known throughout Australasian wine sectors. Bauer came to NZ in 1985, fell in love with the people and land, and soon after decided Aotearoa would be his new permanent home. His first winemaking appointment was at Mission Vineyards in Hawke’s Bay. By 1996 he had launched Quartz Reef in Bendigo. His ability to draw in and hold the attention of a group of knowledge-hungry sommeliers or fine wine collectors, and lead a discussion about wine, his understanding and knowledge of soil, people and Otago’s wine history, is fantastic. Layer in his sense of humour, as well as his unique Kiwi Austrian accent, and Bauer is an excellent person to listen to and get to know.