Huia folk | Rachel Gibson

Claire and Mike have long been flying the flag in the UK themselves but the need to be in the market more frequently was obvious and the need to get a new team member was clear. Just as the dark, cool nights of a northern hemisphere Winter started to ease, a bright light appeared on the Huia horizon.

After putting her ear to the ground to see if any talented, dedicated and motivated wine buffs were looking for a little NZ love in their life, Claire was reacquainted with Rachel Gibson who had started her own small portfolio of top notch brands. Over a wine, an agreement was made and Rachel is now part of our family.

We decided to hit Rachel with a little Q&A so we can all get to know her better.
From her cozy dwelling in Shawford, a small village in the United Kingdom, located just outside the beautiful city of Winchester, Rachel took the time to answer our probing questions! We found out she’s an ocean gal over rivers and lakes and heads for the mashed potato over new baby potatoes any day…but what about her love of wine?

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Huia: How did you get into wine?

Rachel: I was secretary of the wine-tasting society at Durham University, and then I joined Majestic Wine as a graduate trainee - it was meant to be temporary while I worked out what I was going to do for a ‘real job’. That was 20 years ago!

Huia: What is your favourite wine variety?

Rachel: There are so many exciting grape varieties, it’s hard to pick… In the summer I drink more Sauvignon Blanc. In the winter more Pinot Noir, especially with a bit of age on it. But I also love Italian varieties… Barbera, Sangiovese, Greco di Tufo, Pinot Gris - the list could go on for ever.

Huia: If you’re not drinking wine, what is your ‘go to’ glass of something special?

Rachel: As we come into summer (fingers crossed for a sunny one), it would have to be a long, cool glass of Pimm’s.

Huia: Name your most memorable food and wine match:

Rachel: Beans on toast with Bollinger Grand Année. One I discovered when working at Majestic and I can highly recommend it.

Huia: When did you start working for Huia and what is your favourite Huia wine?

Rachel: I started working for Huia in March 2019 so I’m a newbie, and loving every minute! Until this year, I always made a beeline for the Sauvignon Blanc, but recently I have fallen for the Pinot Gris. It’s just divine.

While we’re not so sure about Rachel’s food and wine match recommendation we are highly motivated to try it - purely for experimental reasons….perhaps our NZ distributor, Negociants NZ who also distribute Bollinger Champagne can help us out with that one? We’ll bring the beans…

We’re delighted to have Rachel as part of our team, sharing the handcrafted goodness that comes from our home. For anyone in the UK wanting to learn more about our wines just give Rachel a call.

Rachel Gibson
Huia Vineyards UK Brand Manager

tel: +44 (0)7501864301 | email: rachel@huiavineyards.com