Natalie Christensen, Chief Winemaker
Natalie is a gifted winemaker with 17 years of experience working in France, Spain, USA and Aotearoa, with stints at notable New Zealand wineries Saint Clair Family Estate and Matahiwi Estate. Prior to joining Yealands, Natalie was Winemaker at La Cana in Rias Baixas, Spain, making Albariño for the Jorge Ordonez group.
Far from being your average winemaker, Natalie is a classically trained double bass player with a Bachelor of Music from Canterbury University, in addition to a Master of Science and Graduate Diploma in Oenology. Natalie was named one of the most influential women in wine in the world by the Drinks Business Magazine (UK) in 2018 and won the International Wine Challenge’s White Winemaker of the Year trophy in 2023.
Natalie joined Yealands in 2014, becoming Chief Winemaker in 2019.
Angela Walsh, Winemaker
Angela’s journey into the wine industry was shaped by her passion for the outdoors. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Geography, Ange’s love of skiing saw her heading overseas in pursuit of powder. Upon returning to New Zealand, she transitioned into the world of wine, beginning her career at Rippon Winery in Wanaka, and sparking her interest in viticulture and winemaking. She completed a Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology at EIT, Hawke’s Bay, graduating as Valedictorian.
Her career path eventually led her back home to Marlborough, where she spent four years honing her skills at Villa Maria before joining Yealands in 2017 as an Assistant Winemaker. Angela was promoted to Senior Winemaker in November 2024.
Currently on maternity leave, Angela will return in June 2025, taking on the role of The Crossings Head Winemaker.
Ruby, McManaway, Winemaker
Ruby is a Winemaker at Yealands Estate with 10 years of experience in the wine industry. A Marlborough local, she has a strong connection to the region and its wines.
Ruby has worked across vineyard, cellar, and winemaking in both Marlborough and France, including time with M. Chapoutier in the Rhône Valley, where she gained experience crafting Hermitage wines. She holds a Bachelor of Winemaking and Viticulture from NMIT and is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Alongside her role at Yealands, Ruby and her partner own a vineyard in Marlborough, focusing on Sauvignon Blanc. She is passionate about Marlborough's terroir and strives to create wines that reflect the region’s unique character. Ruby has competed in the Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker competition and played a role in developing New Zealand’s Bragato Wine Research strategy.
With expertise in winemaking and industry development, Ruby is committed to elevating Marlborough wines on the global stage.
Jacqui Lizama, Winemaker Production
Originally from Chile, Jaqui began her winemaking journey with a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy Engineering, specializing in Oenology and Viticulture. Her career took off with research on Carménère vines, enhancing Chile’s iconic grape. A year later, a one-off harvest at home ignited her true passion for winemaking.
In 2010, her love for Sauvignon Blanc brought her to Marlborough, where she planted roots and built a global career across Chile, USA, Australia, and Austria. In 2015, Jacqui was selected as one of only 48 winemakers worldwide for a wine competition, helping develop the Chinese wine industry in Ningxia Region.
In 2017, Jacqui joined the Matua TWE winemaking team, focusing on Marlborough wines and even travelling to Napa Valley to craft Chardonnay at Beringer TWE. In 2021, she embraced an exciting new challenge by joining Yealands, drawn by their innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and focus on alternative varieties like Grüner Veltliner, Albariño, and Tempranillo. Jacqui’s passion for winemaking continues to flourish as she contributes making exceptional Sauvignon Blanc and leads the Pinot Noir production at Yealands.
Abigail Maxwell, Quality Assurance / Winemaker
All it took was one sip of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to spark a passion that would shape Abigail’s career. With studies spanning biotechnology (Auckland University), wine science (Eastern Institute of Technology), and business (Massey University), her expertise combines technical winemaking with a deep commitment to quality from grape to glass. She enjoys all aspects of wine making but is particularly passionate about organics, chardonnay, and innovative research.
Her 15 years of experience across New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and the USA have given her a diverse, global perspective on winemaking. Abigail has won Marlborough’s Young Winemaker competition twice and continues to support the NZ wine industry through mentoring.
Abigail joined Yealands in 2019 as Technical Winemaker and became Quality Assurance Manager/Winemaker in 2022.
