Winemaking’s become such a scientific process that New Zealander Gordon Russell feels like one of a rare breed. He’s a top winemaker, but he started at the very bottom – pulling hoses and emptying presses, and has no formal scientific training. He hasn’t let that hold him back. Listen to us talk about his 31 years at Esk Valley in Hawkes Bay, his relationship with The Terrraces, one of the country’s most iconic vineyards, and why his passions for music, fly fishing and cooking make him better at his day job.

To read more about Gordon’s wines, have a look at the Esk website. You can also follow him on Instagram @gordonatesk.

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as on my website. You can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.