Our People
“We have a commitment to quality; quality vineyard-management practices, quality winemaking, quality marketing and quality distribution. The most important of these is quality people and relationships as a foundation for success. We aim for constant improvement and continue to ask the question HDWDIB – “How Do We Do It Better” – Neal Ibbotson
Chloe Gabrielsen
Winemaker
Raised in Tūrangi on the shores of the mighty Lake Taupo, Chloe’s early exposure to viticulture began with helping her parents pick out wine from the local store (fiends for a big Aussie red). After finishing college in 2001, Chloe moved to Marlborough to pursue a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology through Lincoln University, completing her first harvest at the Saint Clair Family Estate in 2006.
Now Chloe represents Lake Chalice as Winemaker, expressing our vineyards through our wines; that is when she’s not being a Mum to Asher, a member of multiple sports teams, performing in Kapa haka (Māori performing arts), being a cross-fit addict or cooking a mean kai (kiwi food).
Jarrah Prior
Viticulturist
Jarrah Prior hails from the world-renowned wine region of the Mornington Peninsula (Victoria, Australia), His wine career commenced when he was 18 years of age, completing his first vintage as a Cellar Hand in the Yarra Valley. Jarrah gained a Bachelor of Wine Science from Charles Sturt University following which moved to Australia’s spectacular Margaret River wine region where he worked as Winemaker for Devil’s Lair.
The move across the ditch from Australia to New Zealand happened during 2019, and Marlborough was selected as the destination. Initially employed at Saint Clair Family Estate to cover a maternity leave Winemaking position, Jarrah quickly and easily cemented himself within the team bringing with him knowledge and experience. After working in this Winemaking role an opportunity came available to move into a role that encompasses viticulture whilst maintaining a winemaking component. Lake Chalice Wines is fortunate to be able to utilise the vast knowledge and experience Jarrah has to offer in the management of our own unique vineyards.
Neal and Judy Ibbotson
Managing Director and Owners
Neal and Judy Ibbotson are viticulture pioneers from Marlborough. Neal has a long background of farming, having a farm of pigs while working as a farm advisor for rural Marlborough farmers, before planting grapes in the early 70’s. Astounding viticultural knowledge combined with a large amount of passion, commitment, dedication and drive has assisted Neal and Judy in creating a leading New Zealand wine brand (Saint Clair Family Estate).
Saint Clair purchased the Lake Chalice brand in June 2016. Neal works closely with Winemaker Chloe Gabrielsen to create the best possible varietal Marlborough wines.