WineNZ Summer 2019-20

First Lady of Wine | Feature
Family garden 2018 - from left Peter Macdonald (general manager), Jane Hunter, Edward Macdonald (assistant
general manager) and James Macdonald (senior winemaker).
Jane with Tabitha Jane Hunter & Winery Cat 2016
bedding with taller plants behind
to help shelter it from the wind.
Graeme, who lived in Scotland
for several years, compared the
view of the Richmond Hills from
upstairs to what he had been
used to there - except for a few
deer wandering about, Jane
said. So she gave him some deer
made out of vine cuttings one
Christmas. They now lurk in the
undergrowth.
Jane loves colour in the garden
and having flowers inside. She
mixes hebes with roses, and has
planted lots of lilies, dahlias and
hydrangeas. A pergola, once
a laburnum arch, has been
taken over by roses, wisteria and
clematis. Big colourful geraniums
fill some of the large pots and
sculptures are dotted around,
accenting corners or tucked
away to surprise a visitor strolling
round.
Similar accents of colour and
intrigue, inviting corners and
attractive nooks with interesting
arrangements of objects d’art
feature in the house. Here they
prefer smaller, more intimate
spaces rather than open plan
living, she says.
When there are no guests
staying upstairs, the large
landing with the sun streaming
in and views of the Richmond
Hills is a lovely place to sit and
read or for an intimate chat.
Characteristically it features
several of Jane’s attractive nooks
and interesting arrangements.
A striking South Australian
Aboriginal work hangs over
the fireplace in the downstairs
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