Nikolai St George is one of the most rewarded winemakers in New Zealand today. Since 2016 he has led Giesen’s winemaking team ensuring a suite of elegant and expressive wines for wine lovers across the world to enjoy.

Originally from the King Country, Nikolai’s winemaking career has taken him around New Zealand and the world - including stints in Chile, France, Australia and the United States. Nikolai was drawn to Giesen because of its potential, saying while the winery has achieved so much over the past 30 years it still feels like its on the cusp of something great. With the founding Giesen brothers involved in the business every day decisions are made quickly ensuring Giesen is a dynamic environment. What’s more Nikolai says Giesen have amazing viticultural resources like Marlborough’s first hillside vineyard the prized organic Clayvin.

Nikolai is driven to create great tasting wines that people love to drink. He says experience over multiple
vintages has taught him that wine shouldn’t be seen as pretentious. “The best wines I have had are not
usually ones from the great Chateaus or Domaines. My most unforgettable wines complement an occasion - that could be travelling or dinner with family – at its essence wine is about sharing…” It’s this understanding which drives his winemaking philosophy. Nikolai crafts wines that have a sense of place, and tell the story of the growing season. His practical, rural Kiwi upbringing means he embraces the season and adapts his winemaking to work harmoniously with what nature provides.

Nikolai and his family moved to Marlborough in 2016 and love getting out and exploring the region.
Unfortunately for Nik the family have seen through his generous offers of day trips and recognise most are thinly disguised reconnaissance to find great dive spots. In addition to his family – and winemaking – Nikolai’s passion is the ocean, especially free diving for seafood or spearfishing.