About the Winery
Tūpari Wines grew from the land. We take the name from the Maori word for the dramatic cliffs that typify the Upper Awatere Valley. It is here the Turnbull family and pioneering winemaker Glenn Thomas collaborate in creating stunning artisan wines.
The Tūpari range is a true reflection of the varietals that grow best in the Awatere Valley and comprises Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Pinot Noir. From our idyllic vineyard in the Awatere Valley, we nurture our vines to enhance the unique characteristics from this land.
Tūpari wine embodies the essence and the purity of our land. It is wine that we love and want to share with you.
Meet the Team
Glenn Thomas – Winemaker, Founder, Director; Olivia Turnbull Doonan – General Manager; David & Heather Turnbull – Founders & Directors
GLENN THOMAS – Expertly interweaving artistry and science to create beautiful wine, Glenn wants to make the best wine from our land. Glenn is a legend of the region. He produced the valley’s first sauvignon blanc and help establish the reputation of an entire industry. Glenn saw the potential of the river terraces on the Turnbull family farm and from here Tūpari was born. Glenn studied oenology at Roseworthy College, South Australia and worked in the McLaren Vale and the Barossa before moving to the Awatere Valley, New Zealand to make wine from the “best flavoured grapes” he’d ever tasted. Glenn is a sort after adviser to wineries throughout New Zealand, Northern Italy and Southern France, but his primary focus remains the Awatere Valley and his pivotal role at Tūpari.
OLIVIA TURNBULL-DOONAN – Olivia grew up in the Awatere Valley and embraces a true love and respect for the land. She lives with her family on the family farm. Her husband Tahi runs the vineyard. Olivia’s love and care for all those around her is intrinsically linked to her desire to find pure, authentic and sustainable products and ways of living. For Olivia, Tūpari expresses a lifestyle philosophy based on family, authenticity and sustainability.
DAVID TURNBULL – An international engineer as well as farmer and vigneron, David wears many hats. David grew up on a farm as a wee boy and vowed to one day return to the land. Tūpari, sitting atop the terraces of his Awatere Valley farm, is the realisation of that dream and testament to his dedication and commitment to the land and his family.
HEATHER TURNBULL – Heather is the glue that holds the Tūpari team together. Her fascination with ideas and the cultivation of the potential of others inspires us each day. A true and committed environmentalist, Heather works on the farm, vineyard and in the community to reduce her impact on the world. Her vision for Tūpari encompasses her belief in her family, her land and the relationship with the environment.
