Our People

Peter & Anna Robbie

OWNERS & ENTHUSIASTS
The Robbie family has a rich history in New Zealand’s South Island.

“We treasure the rich history here and the bountiful rewards that Mount Michael Wines bring us in one of the most amazing places in the world. How better to live the life than with wonderful Central Otago Pinot.” - Peter Robbie

The Robbie family is 100% committed to New Zealand's viticulture industry and its globally recognized wine's premium quality.

WINEMAKER
A born and bred Southlander, Pip Clarke moved north to Auckland after graduating from the University of Otago. After trying her hand at a few different careers, she fell into the winemaking industry. A love of the job quickly led to a Post Graduate Diploma in Wine Science and vintages in Oregon, Australia, Alsace, as well as Central Otago

After a five-year winemaking stint across the ditch, Pip finally made it back home to become Mount Michael Wines winemaker just in time for the 2020 vintage. With her love of aromatic whites coming a narrow second to her love of Pinot Noir, she is in the perfect place to continue to explore and expand her winemaking knowledge

Working with the Mount Michael Wines vineyard and other top-quality growers across the region has allowed Pip access to some of the finest fruit grown in Central Otago. A win at the New Zealand International Wine Show for Champion Pinot Gris in 2020 is a clear reflection of this and her remarkable talents.
Pip loves all that Central Otago offers and is excited to continue making beautifully drinkable and top-quality wines that are the total expression of their stunning location.

OPERATIONS MANAGER
With a ten-year corporate background in Christchurch, Emma McDonald, a Southerner at heart, was drawn back to the hills of Central Otago in 2003 to open a local café alongside her mother.

She then joined Mount Difficulty as an assistant cellar door and functions manager igniting a real passion for wine and hospitality. Completing the Wine and Spirits Education Trust studies to Level 3, Emma joined SOS (a wine tasting group) sampling wines from around the world, eventually taking on the coordinator’s role.

After a decade at Mount Difficulty, Emma stepped further into the wine industry, taking on operations manager at Wine Solutions, a boutique bottling, and warehousing company. The position is now a dual role that includes operations of Mount Michael Wines and perfectly suited to her extraordinary organizational skills. Emma is at the heart of both operations, and no task is too big or small for her to organize.
She has overseen two regional Pinot Celebrations as logistics coordinator and, when not working, can be found hiking or mountain biking the Central Otago hills, exercising with her ‘Famous Five’ exercise group, or participating in multisport.

Marketing Experts
Partnering with Mount Michael Wines, this dynamic group of women is on a mission to share the message of these exceptional wines with Aotearoa and beyond. Their passion extends past taste buds; it's a commitment to enhancing the legacy of Central Otago's winemaking heritage and preserving the story of Mountaineer Peter and the Robbie family.

Through events, tastings, and engaging storytelling, they weave a narrative that transcends the mere appreciation of wine, inviting others to experience the profound connection between the landscape, the people, and the wines that emerge from this pristine corner of the world.