As Viticulturist and longest serving member of the team at Ara, Jean Charles has influenced all aspects of the project.

Originally from Belgium, Jean Charles moved from Agronomy to winemaking, then viticulture during his time at Bordeaux University. He then went on to work at a number of leading Chateaux. After immigrating to New Zealand, Jean-Charles held viticulture roles with several major wine companies.

At Ara, Jean Charles leads the vineyard operation team, using his understanding of both viticulture and winemaking to ensure the integrity, uniqueness and sustainability of the grape production process.

Jean Charles’s experience in both Old and New World viticulture is integral to the vision of crafting of a New World standard in wine at Ara.