Čuvar Winery has announced that Dave Mackintosh has joined the team as Senior Winemaker, taking over from Michelle Richardson. Dave has been part of their group since January, but it is now official.
Dave grew up in Hawke’s Bay, having his first taste of Gimblett Gravels Cabernet in 1998. After completing a degree in Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University, he gained experience across Marlborough, Canterbury, and Hawke’s Bay before heading overseas. His career has taken him through Burgundy, Oregon, the Hunter Valley, and the Yarra Valley, where he spent five years at Giant Steps before launching his own label, Arfion. More recently, he started Kenzie Wines back here in Hawke’s Bay.
Creative, charismatic, and with a deep respect for nature, Dave takes a minimal-interventionist approach to winemaking, preferring to let the vineyard and seasons tell their own story. An artist as well as a winemaker, he brings both creativity and storytelling to the craft. Dave will be hands-on in the winery while also connecting with customers and sharing the Čuvar story more widely.
Karen Fistonich, Executive Director of Fistonich Family Vineyards, says:
“Dave embodies everything we value at Čuvar – respect for the land, authenticity, and creativity. His knowledge of Hawke’s Bay’s vineyards and soils, combined with his global perspective and engaging personality, make him the perfect fit for our future.”
Dave Mackintosh adds:
“I’m excited to craft wines that tell the story of Hawke’s Bay – its seasons, its soils, its people – and to build on the incredible foundation laid by Michelle and the Fistonich family.”
Čuvar Winery was founded by Sir George Fistonich in 2023, Čuvar honours the Croatian pioneers — and many others — who helped shape New Zealand’s wine story. Rooted in Fistonich Family heritage, they are dedicated to preserving and nurturing the essence of New Zealand wine and its deep connection to place. From the heart of Hawke’s Bay, the wines embody purity, pedigree, and the belief that we are all guardians of today for tomorrow.
Čuvar sits within the Fistonich Family Vineyards portfolio, alongside the Gimblett Gravels brand, Stonecroft – pioneers of New Zealand Syrah – and Obliix, a fun retail-focused label.
Just heard this week that a lot of vines have been pulled out at the Stonecroft vineyard. The Zinnie has gone and the Chardonnay and I think the Gewurz as well,
very sad really. Hard to know what they are trying to achieve really.