November 2007:
Malcolm Francis was born into a South Canterbury sheep farming family, and grew up with an innate respect for the land and climate. 4 years studying Microbiology at the University of Otago lead to dissatisfaction with laboratory work, so rather than become a genetic engineer his next (less than obvious) step was a vintage in Marlborough.
Barely knowing the difference between a red and a white meant the learning curve was a steep one, but the epiphany that even tank cleaning could be strangely satisfying plus the beckoning limitless permutations of wine and winemaking thrust a terrible addiction upon poor Malcolm.
He then worked at Felton Road for 4 years as Assistant Winemaker, choosing to relax by traveling to Oregon USA, there making (and drinking) even more Pinot Noir. In 2006 he fully succumbed to his dreadful addiction by taking the position of Rockburn's winemaker.
''This is a very exciting period for Rockburn and provides me with a great deal of opportunity'' Malcolm said. ''Rockburn's track record under its previous winemaker, Rudi Bauer, has been 1st class and to have the opportunity to now focus that even further with a new purpose-built winery is a huge buzz''.
''Cromwell is fast becoming the hub for the wine making and downstream processing for all of Central Otago's wine activities, so it made sense to be part of that infrastructure''. ''Ours will be a commercial winery, where you will be able to taste the very best Central Otago has to offer and see a modern winery with traditional values in action''.

        

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