History

Anchorage Wines founding family, the Drummond Family have been pioneers of the land since 1866. Our story begins with Alexander Drummond's courageous voyage from Scotland aboard "The Sir Allan McNab" to seek a better life in Nelson. 

Today, five generations later, the Drummond Family continues to cultivate the land, with vineyards nestled across the picturesque Riwaka, Motueka, and Moutere areas.

They hold firm to their belief that the rich fertile soils surrounding the Motueka township, coupled with balmy sea breezes and some of New Zealand’s consistently highest sunshine readings, are the ideal climate in which to craft their aromatic wines. Grapes from their vineyards in the nearby Moutere add a further dimension to their range of classic aromatic varieties.

"Rich fertile soils, coupled with balmy sea breezes and some of New Zealand’s consistently highest sunshine readings, are the ideal climate in which to craft aromatic wines"

About the team

Sebastien Bouchut

Chief Winemaker

Sebastien (Seb) Bouchut is the experienced new Winemaker at Anchorage Family Estate. Seb’s goal is to create exceptional, concentrated wines that can be enjoyed by all.

Before his winemaking career, Seb worked in various fields, beginning as a building apprentice and worked in the construction trade across New Zealand. He then spent time as a diamond driller in the underground gold mines of Western Australia. 

In 2010 Seb and his wife returned to New Zealand, where he pursued his passion for wine by completing a Diploma in Viticulture and Winemaking at NMIT, followed by a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University.

Outside of winemaking, Seb enjoys mountain biking, running with his dog, and motorcycling. He is proud to call the Nelson Tasman region home and enjoys spending time outdoors with his family.

At Anchorage Family Estate, Seb oversees the winemaking process from harvest to bottle, ensuring each wine reflects the unique terroir of the estate. He is committed to producing wines that “capture the vintage" and the estate's dedication to sustainability and excellence.

Chris Drummond

General Manager 

Anchorage Family Estate began as a hobby, rooted in Chris's late teens. In 2002, the Drummond family decided to bring their dreams to life by planting a few hectares of grapes. This marked the birth of Anchorage Wines, with the first small vintage of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 2003. By December 2005, Chris fully committed himself to Anchorage, overseeing not only the financial aspects but also spearheading sales and marketing efforts.

Our journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting with just 400 cases in the inaugural year, our production has surged to 40,000 cases and continues to expand. The bulk of our growth is fuelled by export orders, while we remain devoted to serving the New Zealand market that holds a special place in our hearts.

Chris' favourite wine variety is Riesling, a versatile gem that can be crafted into dry, medium, sweet, late harvest, and low-alcohol styles. He savors the delightful flavors of apricot, stone fruits, lime, and more that Riesling offers. Unlike some other varieties, Riesling allows for the creation of numerous drinkable styles, making it a true connoisseur's choice.

Gavin Drummond

Viticulturist

Gavin has a lifelong passion for agriculture. Starting his career in the tobacco industry before venturing into processing with Rothmans in Motueka, he later joined his father, Ray, to create Riwaka Fruit and Vegetables. Together, they cultivated the finest pip fruit orchards in the region.

In the year 2000, they decided to embrace a new challenge - grapes. Gavin and Ray had initially considered grapes back in 1992 but decided not to proceed then after a Ministry of Agriculture report deemed grapes “too risky”..

However, their dedication and commitment to excellence led them to establish Riwaka Fruit and Viticulture. This family-run enterprise has since become synonymous with the finest Nelson wines.

Beyond the vineyards and cellars, Gavin enjoys a life filled with adventure. Whether he's out boating, fishing, or cherishing moments with his daughters, Gabrielle and Paige, he understands the importance of balance and enjoyment in life.

Patriarch Ray Drummond

In memoriam

Patriarch Ray Drummond traced his roots back to 1855 when his ancestors first arrived to till the soil. Born and bred in Motueka, Ray was a man of the land, seldom happier when driving his bulldozer or pacing out in a paddock. He supported his sons' move from kiwifruit and apples to grapes, and will be remembered by his children as a staunch believer in paving the way for future generations.