Simon Nunns

Simon has had a varied, interesting and fascinating life since leaving Matamata College in 1984.  He was an extremely bright lad destined to do great things.  Simon won an A Bursary and was Dux of the College in 1984.

Wine was not part of the picture when a young Simon Nunns headed off from rural Matamata to Massey University in Palmerston North to become a vet.  After two years Simon decided he was not cut out to be a vet and it was best to ‘drop out’.  From vet school Simon decided IT would be his career and spent time working for Databank.

During a weekend visit with friends in May 1987 to Vidal Estate, Esk Valley Estate and Eskdale, then up the coast to Gisborne and the winery of Matawhero, marked a significant moment in Simon’s life – he decided he was going to become a winemaker. He was just 20 years old.  Of course, the obligatory OE followed.  Simon accepted a Trainee Manager position with a Wine Warehouse in London where he basically carted boxes of wine around.  However, there was plenty of opportunity for wine tasting!

Returning to New Zealand in 1992 Simon soon realised to get anywhere in this industry he would need to gain qualifications.  He enrolled in the Post Graduate Diploma of Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University.  Straight A-plus grades with the highest marks secured him the title of ‘Top of the Class’ for the year of  ’95 where he graduated with Distinction.

Interestingly Simon is one of three extremely successful winemakers from this school.  Kim Crawford and Michelle Richardson have also done great things in the wine industry.

Simon has been winemaker at Coopers Creek Vineyard Ltd since 1998 and has worked harvests in Oregon, Bordeaux and Burgundy.  Simon judges in a number of wine competitions both in New Zealand and Australia. Apart from wine, his interests include food, art, architecture, history, music and most especially, road cycling where he has competed at club and national level.

Simon’s partner of 15 years (Katrina) is also a winemaker and they share their life with Guido, an Italian Greyhound.