OUR GUIDES - The best in the business
Philip Green - UK WSET Diploma of Wine
Five years in the wine sales industry and a serious collector for over 20 years has enabled Philip to build up an extensive knowledge in New World & European wines which he is keen to share with other wine enthusiasts. As founder of Appellation Central™ Wine Tours he has a strong personal interest in promoting Central Otago as a premium New Zealand wine region.
Wendy Johnston - Director and Tour Guide
Wendy multitasks between wine touring guiding and being Appellation Central's business manager and strategist. Wendy was key in instigating the Appellation Central Wine Certificate course and in 2010 steered Appellation Central to winning its first Wine Tourism award with the Great Wine Capitals of the World.
Kirsty Tennent - Senior Tour Guide
A diverse background in South Island tour guiding and hospitality (including certificates in wine appreciation), and a ready enthusiasm, Kirsty has revelled in wine tour guiding. Kirsty is now in her 7th year touring and is one of our senior guides.
Iain Forrest - Senior Tour Guide
Iain joined the team in November 2008 and has recently progressed to our Senior Guiding level. Previously Iain had worked in a variety of South Island based guiding and tourism positions and brings to the team a passion for wine and an extensive local and South Island knowledge.
Jess Ruthe - Senior Tour Guide
With several years tour guiding in the Queenstown district and a friendly personality Jess is a highly valued member of the Appellation Central™ team. Now in her 6th year.
Keren McSkimming - Tour Guide
Keren joined the team in October 2009. Keren is a keen multisporter and long term local, with previous guiding and wine experience from both retail and cellar door work. Keren has thrived in the wine guiding business.
Paul Chisnall - Tour Guide
Paul joined Appellation Central in 2010 after a previous stint in a management role. Paul's background is incredibly diverse having started New Zealand's first commercial Hang Gliding business, to owning restaurants and recently managing a team of Engineers. With family wine interests Paul has developed a keen and extensive wine knowledge.
Liz Mathieson - Tour Guide
Canadian Liz joined us late 2010. An enthusiastic guide, Liz is also a keen tramper and climber, currently guides South Island tours for Active New Zealand and is loving the opportunity to extend her growing wine knowledge.
We have a great team of guides for 2012/2013 and we are sure you will enjoy meeting them.
Luxury Small Group Touring Coaches
Whether you know wine intimately or just enjoy the odd glass and fancy a relaxed day out, Appellation Central™ Wine Tours are made for you. Our team, led by Philip Green, Diploma of Wine, is passionate and knowledgeable, so your wine experience can be as incidental or as in-depth as you prefer
