Shaky Bridge names new Winemaker/GM
Shaky Bridge has announced Mike Kush as winemaker and general manager to lead the Alexandra winery. It says Kush’s appointment reaffirms its commitment to producing best-in-class Pinot Noir that reflects the best of the region and Alexandra basin.
“We are one of the original wineries in Central Otago with my parents Gill and the late Bill Grant planting some of the first vines in the region back in 1973,” says Dave Grant, owner and winemaker of Shaky Bridge, which makes estate wines focused on Pinot Noir.
“Mike, with his range of experiences, passion for the region, and commitment to quality, is the perfect person to come on board and lead the winery. He knows the best wines in the world with one foot in the old world and one foot in the new world, and has a vision for where Central Otago and Pinot Noir from the region can go.”
Mike Kush and Dave Grant of Shaky Bridge
Originally from Chicago, USA, Kush began his winemaking career in Sonoma County and has worked for wineries worldwide, including New Zealand, Burgundy, Mosel, Argentina, Portugal, and South Africa. He is also the winemaker and owner of Chasing Harvest wines, producing wines in New Zealand and Douro, Portugal. Kush is also a candidate for the Masters of Wine, currently in Stage 2.
With 15 years of experience in the New Zealand wine industry, Mike Kush says he is passionate about Alexandra and what the region can offer. “There is a lot of excitement about what is happening here. I joined the team because Shaky Bridge has some of the best vineyards in the region, and I believe them to be one of the Grand Cru producers in the area. My vision is to enhance the quality further while still providing great value, opening our doors to visitors, and championing our wines and the region’s wines to key markets globally.”
Shaky Bridge takes its name from a historic bridge in the region and the location of its home block vineyard in Alexandra. It has been producing award-winning wine in Central Otago since 1980 and is located in Alexandra on the Otago Central Rail Trail, with plans to welcome guests to the winery and restaurant/event space this year.