Meet The Team
Co-Owner
Simon Lints
A Scottish law graduate, Simon followed an international career in finance (UK, US, Middle East and Asia) culminating in being the CEO of a bank in Singapore. Corporate world continued by building a portfolio of strategic advisory and non-executive positions for successful international businesses as well as being the Scottish Government Trade Envoy for Singapore and New Zealand. He is now following his “onwards and upwards” motto working with Carolyn to build a wine business and vineyard destination that dreams are made of!
Co- Owner
Carolyn Lints
Carolyn trained as a lawyer in Scotland (quite a while ago!) subsequently becoming qualified in Scottish and English law.
She ran a legal firm in Scotland before moving to Singapore where she lectured corporate governance, practised law and became a qualified company secretary.
She is now loving life on the vineyard!
Vineyard Manager
Renan Catailotti
Trained in Viticulture and Oenology at the Agronomy School of Montpellier in the south of France, Renan gained early experience in renowned wineries across France before travelling through Australia and settling in New Zealand. After managing Meniscus Vineyard above Akaroa for a decade, he took on French Peak in 2016, transitioning it to organic management through dedication and innovation. Today, he continues to lead the vineyard alongside Carolyn and Simon, working toward BioGro certification and crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of Banks Peninsula.
Animal Support
Kumara
Our wee rescue kitten, who has found his forever home at French Peak. Abandoned at only 5 weeks old, Kumara has grown to be a playful and inquisitive cat. He can often be found exploring our grounds, soaking up attention and love from our visitors. His endearing presence adds a touch of warmth to our picturesque vineyard, and he has become an integral part of our family here at French Peak.
Client Winemaker
Gavin Tait - Greystone Wines
Our excellent winemaker began his studies in Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University in 2000. After graduating in 2004 he spent a short period in Central Otago on vineyards through the Gibbston Valley region. He then returned home to Canterbury and in to his permanent position growing and making wine in Waipara region of North Canterbury.
Gavin says that over the years he has worked with a wide range of fruit from many different varieties and from many regions and sub-regions around the South Island. He says that Akaroa and Banks Peninsula is a particularly interesting subregion of North Canterbury, with wines that show structure, vibrancy and fruitful lift due to soil and topographical differences.