The Shout Magazine (New Zealand)

New winemaker for Palliser Estate

Allan Johnson and GuyMcMaster at Palliser Estate.

After 28 years as Chief Winemaker at Palliser, Allan Johnson has left to pursue a new path as a wine consultant in New Zealand and abroad. As a founding member of the Palliser team, Allan has been integral in establishing Palliser as a successful business, consistently producing quality wines across all the Palliser ranges. Over the decades his hard work has been rewarded with many awards and accolades recognising his ability as a top-flight winemaker and viticulturist.

As John Saker put it a few years back “…if I had to pick one winery as a great all-rounder, I’d go with Martinborough’s Palliser Estate. Palliser has won a wine show with every single wine style it produces, and that covers a lot of categories…”

Guy McMaster has taken on the new role of Winemaker / Viticulturist. Joining Palliser three years ago as Viticulturist/Associate Winemaker Guy has made a significant contribution to the viticulture and winemaking, including the conversion of Palliser’s top vineyards to organic management and assisting in the development of their first single vineyard wines — due for release later this year. His passion, drive and ‘must be fun’ attitude to winemaking heralds in an exciting new chapter in Palliser’s journey.