Alexandra, New Zealand. (February 16, 2023) – Shaky Bridge, one of Central Otago New Zealand’s original producers of Pinot Noir, announces Mike Kush as winemaker and general manager to lead the winery and reaffirm its commitment to producing best-in-class Pinot Noir that reflects the best of the region and Alexandra basin.
“We are one of the original wineries in Central Otago with my parents Gill and the late Bill Grant planting some of the first vines in the region back in 1973.”, says Dave Grant, owner and winemaker of Shaky Bridge, which makes estate wines focused on Pinot Noir from the Alexandra region. “Mike, with his range of experiences, passion for the region, and commitment to quality, is the perfect person to come on board and lead the winery. He knows the best wines in the world with one foot in the old world and one foot in the new world, and has a vision for where Central Otago and Pinot Noir from the region can go.”
Shaky Bridge takes its name from a historic bridge in the region and the location of its home block vineyard in Alexandra, New Zealand. It has been producing award-winning wine in Central Otago since 1980. They have built a reputation for top-quality wines receiving numerous awards and recognitions, including Double Gold, Gold, and Trophies at the New World Wine Awards for Best Pinot Noir and Best Red Overall for recent vintages of their Pinot Noir. The winery is located in Alexandra right along the Otago Central Rail Trail and will welcome guests to their winery and restaurant/event space this upcoming year.
“Although I’ve traveled and worked all over the wine world, I’m here in Central Otago because I believe it can produce truly world-class Pinot Noir,” says Mike, who has 15 years of experience in the New Zealand wine industry. “I’m also very passionate about Alexandra. With its unique soils and being a cooler corner of Central Otago, it can produce the best the region has to offer. There is a lot of excitement about what is happening here. I joined the team because Shaky Bridge has some of the best vineyards in the region, and I believe them to be one of the Grand Cru producers in the area. My vision is to enhance the quality further while still providing great value, opening our doors to visitors, and championing our wines and the region’s wines to key markets globally.”
Originally from Chicago, USA, Kush began his winemaking career in Sonoma County and has worked for wineries worldwide, including New Zealand, Burgundy, Mosel, Argentina, Portugal, and South Africa. He is also the winemaker and owner of Chasing Harvest wines, producing wines in New Zealand and Douro, Portugal. Mike is a candidate for the Masters of Wine, currently in Stage 2, having passed the 4-day Theory examination and looking to pass the 36-wine blind-tasting Practical exam this June. He also teaches Wine Business for Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute.
Shaky Bridge wines are available in select on- and off-premise establishments in New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and Canada. The team produces upwards of 6000 cases a year of Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Rosé, and Pinot Gris. Their award-winning wines can also be purchased in New Zealand at www.shakybridge.co.nz.
For more information, visit Shaky Bridge Winery’s website at www.shakybridge.co.nz, or follow on facebook https://www.facebook.com/
