Our People
Andrew Blampied
Operations Director
After growing up in Gisborne and spending most of his time
on the land, it was a natural progression for Andrew to take over management of
the viticulture and winemaking operations at Lake Road. It has always been more
than just a job – it’s a way of life.
Acknowledging the achievements of those that have come
before him, Andrew is dedicated to continually improving winegrowing methods in order to support the production of premium quality wines.
Steve Blampied
Sales Director
Steve took a different route to being a part of the Lake Road legacy, and is responsible for establishing the brand as the innovative and independent wine business that it is today.
Leading the sales in both domestic and international markets, he enjoys building ongoing relationships with our valued customers and going
above and beyond to exceed their expectations. Steve is based in Gisborne and travels regularly, meeting with customers in the various markets serviced by Lake Road.
Orlando Blampied
Key Account Manager
Orlando’s passion for the wine business
runs in the family, and he is motivated to see the potential for growth of Lake
Road Wines in a big industry.
His role at Lake Road Wines is focused on sales support, and built on the importance of communication – working with our customers to understand their needs. He also rolls up his sleeves and helps out in the vineyard when needed as well.
Orlando is a fan of a classic style Sauvignon Blanc with a delicious seafood dish -he recommends oysters and mussels as an especially good match!
Nickie Bezuidenhout
Production Planner and Administrator
In 2020, Nickie and her family emigrated from South Africa to New Zealand, where she was thrilled to become part of the wine industry in sunny Gisborne.
Nickie has spent over 20 years refining her skills in the logistics field. She finds the intricacies of the winemaking process incredibly fulfilling, and has set herself the challenge that each bottle reflects our unwavering dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
Her favourite wine varietal depends on the season and the occasion, but nothing quite beats the refreshing taste of a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in summer!
Amber Silvester
Brand and Marketing Manager
Always a passionate storyteller, Amber spent time overseas working in communication and marketing roles in Australia and the UK.
Amber then spent nine years as part of the New Zealand wine industry in communication roles, before moving to be part of the team at Lake Road Wines in 2024. Amber’s drive is to clearly communicate Lake Road Wine’s story, values, and of course wonderful wines, to the target audiences in our key markets.
Out of office is a little further afield for Amber, who is currently based in Japan with her husband and daughter, and working remotely for different times of the year.
Tui Henare
Vineyard Manager
Tui has been a main fixture in the Lake Road Wines vineyards for 14 years. His journey into viticulture began after working in a variety of horticultural roles, but it was the unique diversity of vineyard work that drew
him in.
He says that viticulture offers changing tasks across the seasons— so no two months feel the same. For Tui, this variety, along with
being outdoors in peaceful surroundings, makes the work thoroughly enjoyable.