Clive & Phyll honoured as NZ Winegrowers Fellows 2022

We are delighted to share the news that Clive Paton and Phyll Pattie have been announced as Fellows of New Zealand Winegrowers in the 2022 acknowledgements.

Recognised for their contribution toward putting New Zealand on the world map for what is now the country’s top red wine variety, Pinot Noir, Clive and Phyll have been honoured alongside other NZ wine stalwarts, Dominic Pecchenino, Jim and Rose Delegat and Chris Howell.

"All of the 2022 Fellows have worked over many decades for the betterment of the wine industry,” says Clive Jones, Chair of New Zealand Winegrowers. “The work of these individuals enables a small industry like ours to punch above our weight on the world stage, and we thank them for their efforts.”

Clive planted some of the first of the famous Abel Pinot Noir clones in the early 1980s, while Phyll was one of just a handful of female winemakers at that time. They joined forces in 1987 and have built Ata Rangi into the widely respected producer and brand that it is today. Ata Rangi have been industry pioneers in sustainability. They were part of the pioneering Living Wine group that obtained ISO accreditation in the 1990s, and have been strong advocates for organics and ethical framing practices ever since.

In 2003 Ata Rangi purchased 300 acres of land south of Martinborough where Clive and Phyll have since planted some 75,000 native trees, including thousands of threatened rata. This is fondly called the Bush Block and stands as testament to Clive’s interest and work for conservation.

We’ll be selecting something pretty special from the cellar to make a toast to these two and to NZ wine.