Doug Wisor, a brilliant young American born winemaker at Craggy Range, passed away
in New Zealand following a freak and tragic kite surfing accident.
Doug started with Craggy Range in the middle of 2000, fresh from a vintage at Dry River
and a startling career as a young man in California alongside Ted Lemon, his great mentor.
He came to Craggy to make great Pinot Noir, and he was the perfect winemaking partner.
Not only did he bring a love of Pinot Noir to Craggy, he bought an in depth knowledge of
oenology and practical winemaking skills. Doug the oenologist, winery guy who loved Pinot
Noir and Syrah, Steve Smith, Managing Director, Craggy Range Vineyards with a dangerous
knowledge of winemaking and a great love of all Bordeaux varieties. Both shared a great
love of the wines of France, single vineyard expression in wine, natural where possible and
wine where texture is the most important element. Doug was also a great young man, personable
and caring about his colleagues, staff and friends. He had a great spark.
During his time with Craggy Range, Doug made some of the greatest wines New Zealand has seen.
He single-handedly created a Syrah style that has made the world notice something spectacular
happening in the vineyards of New Zealand that no one had ever considered. He was due to go to
the international stage with the first of his fine Pinot Noir wines, the wine he loved and had
come to Craggy to make. He was excited. He had decided to make his life with Craggy in Hawke's
Bay, he was about to buy some land for his own special vineyard and his home. He had also just
returned from Bordeaux, he came back realizing that there is great red wine outside Pinot Noir.
Doug was a most incredible young man and it is a tragic loss to the world of wine that this young
man was only with Craggy Range for a very short time. He was destined for greatness. His wines
and his legacy will live on however, and possibly his greatest achievement to date, a small batch,
special Pinot Noir selection from 2003, will now be named as a tribute to him.
Doug has left a huge hole personally and professionally. His professional legacy will live on in
the people he has trained and hired as he shared his vision, skill and philosophy. His personal
contribution to the many people he touched, will never be replaced or forgotten.
We have created the Douglas Wisor Memorial Scholarship in Doug's memory to bring a young American
winemaker to New Zealand annually to intern for a vintage.
