Our People

Brian & Nicola Bicknell - Winemaker and Owners

It was a long distance romance in the early years of their relationship that set the scene for Brian and Nic Bicknell. Brian was studying viticulture in Australia and Nic was in Canada working in art and design before reuniting in New Zealand in 1986, a sure indication that for the two of them life in wine would never stand still.

After embarking on vintages in Hungary, France and finally Chile, they returned to New Zealand in 1996. Five years on in 2001 the ideas and discussions that formed Mahi were put into practice with their first vintage, and in December 2006 the purchase of the Mahi winery in Renwick was complete.

Nic’s passion for design and eye for detail means she is continually involved in the evolution of the Mahi look and feel, whilst making sure their children Max and Maia are immersed in the Marlborough culture. Brian’s hands-on experience with over 20 vintages worldwide ensures he is kept very busy, whether it be with Mahi or in a consultants role, with travel, both domestic and international, still playing a major part.

Phoebe Cathcart - Winemaker

Phoebe first joined us for vintage in 2009 and 2010 before returning as assistant winemaker in 2017. Hailing from Ireland, she has a wealth of experience from around the world, including Burgundy, Beaujolais, and 5 years over the hill in Nelson.

Having grown up surrounded by food and wine, Phoebe is passionate about hospitality and has a great love of wine, cooking, travel, and music - all the good things!

Max Bicknell - Sales and marketing

Max joined the team in 2020 after returning from a winery in New York where he was working during Covid-19. Growing up with Brian and Nicola as parents, he was exposed to wine and the winery at an early age. Despite an initial departure from the family business which included a law degree and a lot of travel, Max always worked in hospitality, loves wine, and has now come back into the fold.

With only the 2021 vintage under his belt, he can look forward to many more early picks and late night plunging to come. In between harvests, Max looks after our warehouse and assists with sales, marketing, logistics, and any other odd job that comes up.