Some might make assumptions about what winemakers see when they look at a glass of wine. For Francis Hutt, it’s the same as everyone else… “I look at it and think, is this going to be delicious?
Francis Hutt, Winemaker at Phantom Creek Estates, has travelled the world making wine on both the north and south islands of his native New Zealand as well as working harvests in Oregon, Burgundy and Australia’s Hunter Valley. Honing his skills in organic and biodynamic winemaking at Carrick Winery & Vineyards in New Zealand, Francis led the transformation of the vineyards to organic certification as Head Winemaker and subsequently General Manager. In this role, he also oversaw winemaking for Kennedy Point Vineyard, Waiheke Island’s only certified organic vineyard.
A winemakers’ journey has to start somewhere, and for Francis Hutt, a seminal moment while on a hiking trip with family opened the eyes of a young winemaker to be and started him on that wine journey. The family was visiting a winery in New Zealand, where they encountered a gentleman in the vineyard. He spoke so freely to a young and enthusiastic Hutt and shared his thoughts and philosophies on honest winemaking. Now an established winemaker, the goal continues to be making honest wine that speaks uniquely to the place it’s grown.
A passion for organic and biodynamic winemaking led Francis to Phantom Creek Estates in Oliver, B.C, where we focus on single-vineyard Bordeaux reds, Alsatian whites and the Okanagan’s benchmark varieties of Viognier and Syrah all from naturally farmed Estate vineyards.
We’re fortunate to work with world-renowned consultants Olivier Humbrecht and Philippe Melka. Between all individuals, the level of depth and knowledge behind them is incomparable. It allows us to create wines that are expressive and unique.
Welcome to Phantom Creek Estates – where the magic is about to start!
Chapter 4: Creation
