As the year draws rapidly to a close and many of us are planning to give our wrists a rest from the keyboard, future plans are taking shape at Greystone Wines in North Canterbury, from which Dom Maxwell has resigned to after 21 years. He is leaving to carve out a new Cantabrian future for himself and his family, building up his own brand - Forager. 

While Maxwell's shoes will be large to fill, the role has a talented new winemaker in Georgia Mehlhopt, who Greystone chief executive, Paul Donaghy, has appointed. 

Maxwell made the 2012 Thomas Brothers’ Pinot Noir, which won the Decanter International Trophy in London and, more recently, his 2021 Greystone Organic Chardonnay won three trophies at the London International Wine Show, including the Organic Trophy.

I asked Dom to share his journey at Greystone Wines and what he has planned for the future and he was gracious enough to oblige. Here is his story.

Dom Maxwell shares his journey at Greystone Wines and plans for the future of Forager. 

When did you start at Greystone and where were you prior to that?
I started at the beginning of the 2004 growing season. Prior to that I was backpacking for four and a half years seeing the world. A post graduate diploma in viticulture and oenology in 2004 led me to work at Greystone.

What has been the biggest challenge of winemaking in North Canterbury?
The weather. Spring frosts, fierce winds and cool flowering are luckily balanced by flavoursome fruit.

When did you start Forager as a brand? 
I launched with the excellent 2012 vintage.

Tell us about the ownership of Forager and your plans for its future...
It's a small wine business owned by myself, my wife Nadia and the kids. There's been a nice evolution over the last 12 years and the near future will be about small increases in site expressive wines... Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and likely another red and white from the 2026 vintage onwards.

How do you relax away from wine?  Is there an ‘away’ from wine for you?Gardening, swimming and getting into the mountains.

What’s your go-to wine when you want a comfort glass of something to relax and consider the flavours/style of?
It varies but lately I've been enjoying Teroldego from northern Italy. Often Italian reds feature.

Who’s your favourite author?
James McBride and John Boyne can both transport the reader, which I love.

What’s your favourite music?
I love good Kiwi music... Bic Runga and Don McGlashan especially.

What was the last meal you made?
Fresh snapper, new potatoes , grilled asparagus and olive oil - and Riesling.

What are you hopes for sustainability in the wine world - and the world?
That we get better at reusing 'waste' - finding a home for discarded inputs and byproducts (like ferment CO2) and repurposing into beneficial products.

I'd like to see reduced usage of synthetic chemicals, which will help biodiversity in vineyards and this has to be a big focus for the wine world.

For the world... well it's hard... I hope more people will act locally and do their bit in the own backyard... the power will come when it is bought together.