Andrew grew up in Wanaka just after the first Pinot Noir grapes were planted in Central Otago. His journey to wine took what seemed like a lifetime and a trip to Australia followed by North America before discovering his passion for wine. After attending college in Arizona, Andrew found that engineering was not his destiny, but hospitality and wine just might be. Arizona was not the most idyllic location for a water-loving Kiwi so he moved to Seattle where he could satisfy his two passions: wine and sailing. Seattle being just north of Oregon, Andrew was able to experience the Oregon Pinot Noir scene while working in hospitality and wine distribution. After 12 years in the restaurant industry, he transferred his skills to the distribution side of things where his knowledge and passion grew. Returning to New Zealand in 2014, he moved back to Central Otago and continued working in wine and hospitality. Andrew now lives in Kurow where he manages the newly-opened Valli Wine Bar and spends his downtime enjoying all the wonderful water sports available in the Waitaki Valley.