Our People
The strength of Seaview lies in its people – a team of hardworking, committed professionals who care deeply about their craft and the land they work with.
GENERAL MANAGER
Antony Bell
General Manager
Antony Bell
Having first helped out at a local vineyard as a teenager, it didn’t take long for Ants to identify that wine was his passion, and he’s been a part of the industry ever since.
Ants has worked in various roles across the industry, from viticulture to sales, with brands including Fruitfed and Matua.
“Seaview Estate is still a young company, and it’s great to be a part of the team growing and shaping the future of the business. I hope that my industry experience, fresh thinking and ideas will help to drive Yealands forward on its journey and ambitious plans – it’s a very exciting time.”
Chief Winemaker
Natalie Christensen
Natalie is a gifted winemaker with 20 years of experience working in France, Spain, USA and Aotearoa, with stints at notable New Zealand wineries Saint Clair Family Estate and Matahiwi Estate.
Chief Winemaker
Natalie Christensen
Natalie is a gifted winemaker with 20 years of experience working in France, Spain, USA and Aotearoa, with stints at notable New Zealand wineries Saint Clair Family Estate and Matahiwi Estate. Prior to joining Seaview, part of the Yealands Wine Group, Natalie was Winemaker at La Cana in Rias Baixas, Spain, making Albariño for the Jorge Ordonez group.
Natalie was named one of the most influential women in wine in the world by the Drinks Business Magazine (UK) in 2018, and won the International Wine Challenge’s White Winemaker of the Year trophy in 2023.
Far from being your average winemaker, Natalie is a classically trained double bass player with a Bachelor of Music from Canterbury University, in addition to a Master of Science and a Graduate Diploma in Oenology.
Natalie joined the team in 2014, becoming Chief Winemaker in 2019.
National Supply Manager
Craig Vanstone
National Supply Manager
Craig Vanstone
Craig leads the dynamic team responsible for Quality and Assurance, Sustainability, Growing Partners, Technical Viticulture, and Off-Market Wine sales and purchases. Under his leadership, the team is committed to being innovative leaders in sustainability, technical viticulture, food safety, quality, compliance, and national wine and grape supply. With a focus on continual excellence, they set ambitious goals — and achieve them.
Craig feels fortunate to work alongside industry leaders who genuinely care about the environment, the community, and the long-term success of Seaview Estate Wines. Having worked in the wine industry since 1999, and completed multiple vintages both in New Zealand and around the world, he draws on this extensive experience to support off-market wine purchases, grape acquisitions, and general industry negotiation and relationship-building.
He is always open to connecting — reach out if you’d like to have a chat.
Viticulture Manager
David Sheard
David joined Seaview Estate at the start of 2019 after many years at Constellation Wines, where he was Vice President NZ Viticulture Operations.
Viticulture Manager
David Sheard
David joined Seaview Estate at the start of 2019 after many years at Constellation Wines, where he was Vice President NZ Viticulture Operations.
As Viticulture Manager, David oversees the management and technical operations across all of our vineyards.
David grew up in the Hawke’s Bay region surrounded by vineyards and wineries that fascinated him from a young age. His love for the wine industry developed further during school holidays that were spent in the family vineyards of school friends earning extra pocket money, and from there it was a natural progression to studying for a Bachelor of Viticulture and Diploma in Winemaking at EIT and Charles Sturt University, respectively.
Senior Winemaker
Angela Walsh
Angela’s winemaking journey started in Wanaka, inspired by a role at Rippon winery that ignited a lasting interest.
Senior Winemaker
Angela Walsh
Angela’s winemaking journey started in Wanaka, inspired by a role at Rippon winery that ignited a lasting interest. Having already completed a Bachelor of Science, she went on to complete a graduate diploma in both Winemaking and Viticulture at EIT, to further strengthen her knowledge.
Her career path eventually brought her back to Marlborough, where she worked for four years at Villa Maria, gaining valuable experience across both winery and laboratory operations.
In 2017, Angela joined the Seaview Estate team as Assistant Winemaker. Her passion and dedication for crafting quality wines have seen her progress through Winemaking roles, and she is now our Senior Winemaker.
Outside of the winery, Angela loves spending time in the outdoors with her family, whether it be skiing, mountain biking or in the Marlborough Sounds.
Quality Assurance Manager / Winemaker
Abigail Maxwell
All it took was one sip of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to spark a passion that would shape Abigail’s career.
Quality Assurance Manager / Winemaker
Abigail Maxwell
All it took was one sip of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to spark a passion that would shape Abigail’s career. With studies spanning biotechnology (Auckland University), wine science (Eastern Institute of Technology), and business (Massey University), her expertise uniquely combines technical winemaking, quality assurance, and compliance from grape through to wine glass. She enjoys all aspects of wine, is deeply enthusiastic about organics, and is our expert on international wine legislation.
Her winemaking experience across New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and the USA has given her a rich, global perspective on wine. After winning Marlborough’s Young Winemaker competition twice, she now enjoys supporting the New Zealand wine industry by sharing her technical winemaking, quality assurance, and compliance expertise.
Abigail joined Yealands Wine Group in 2019 as Technical Winemaker and became Quality Assurance Manager / Winemaker in 2022.
Production Winemaker
Ruby McManaway
Production Winemaker
Ruby McManaway
Ruby is a proud Marlborough local and Production Winemaker at Seaview Estate, bringing 10 years of hands-on experience across vineyard, cellar, and winery operations. She holds a Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking from NMIT and an MBA specialising in Global Business through Massey University.
Her winemaking journey has included invaluable experience in both New Zealand and France, including time with M. Chapoutier in the Rhône Valley, where she gained exposure to traditional European techniques and the craft of producing iconic Hermitage wines. Ruby and her partner also own a small Marlborough vineyard focused on Sauvignon Blanc, deepening her connection to the region’s land, climate, and winegrowing heritage.
Ruby has contributed to wider industry development through her involvement in the Bragato Research Institute’s national strategy work. In 2025, she won the Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year title after first winning the Marlborough regional competition. At the national final, she achieved top results in both the laboratory and wine judging sections, reflecting her strong technical foundations and passion for the craft.
Committed to showcasing the purity and character of Marlborough wine, Ruby brings a balance of technical skill, regional pride, and thoughtful leadership to her role at Seaview Estate.
Production Winemaker
Jacqueline Lizama
Jacqui, originally from Chile, began her winemaking journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Oenology and Viticulture from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.
Production Winemaker
Jacqueline Lizama
Jacqui, originally from Chile, began her winemaking journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Oenology and Viticulture from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. She started her career in research, focusing on Carménère and helping refine Chile’s iconic grape, before a harvest back home sparked her true passion for hands-on winemaking.
In 2010, her love for Sauvignon Blanc brought her to Marlborough, where she built a global career across Chile, the USA, Australia, and Austria. In 2015, she was selected as one of only 48 winemakers worldwide for an international competition and supporting the development of China’s emerging Ningxia wine region.
Before joining Yealands Wine Group, Jacqui spent seven years with Matua TWE, focusing on Marlborough wines and Central Otago Pinot Noir. She joined YWG in 2021, drawn by the company’s innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and interest in alternative varieties such as Albariño and Tempranillo. At Seaview Estate Wines, she leads Pinot Noir production and contributes making exceptional Sauvignon Blanc.
After 15 years in Marlborough, she remains as passionate as ever about cool-climate varieties and enthusiastic about continually improving production-system efficiencies, all while upholding an unwavering commitment to wine quality.
Assistant Winemaker
Micheal Hix
Micheal is the Assistant Winemaker at Seaview Estate Wines. He began his career in the wine industry in 2016.
Assistant Winemaker
Micheal Hix
Micheal is the Assistant Winemaker at Seaview Estate Wines. He began his career in the wine industry in 2016. Over the years, Micheal developed a deep understanding of production practices, cellar work, and seasonal demands, earning a reputation for reliability and technical capability.
In 2023, he stepped into the role of Assistant Winemaker, where he now oversees areas such as bulk wine shipments and contract winemaking, ensuring quality and consistency. Micheal is also committed to expanding his knowledge and is currently completing his bachelor’s degree in viticulture and winemaking.
Seaview Estate
Defined by the coast.
Our Story
Seaview Estate lies on Marlborough’s rugged coastal edge — a place defined by wind, salt air, and the steady rhythm of the Pacific.
Awards & Accolades
Our awards reflect more than exceptional wines — they recognise the dedication, sustainability leadership, and winemaking expertise that define our team.
Accreditations
Our accreditations represent more than compliance; they reflect our promise to operate with care and our deep respect for people and place.