Meet Our Team

Meet the amazing team at Red & White Cellar who don’t just look good …

Blair Duncan

Managing Director

Blair Duncan; formidable public speaker, Liverpool supporter, wrist watch enthusiast and lover of wine has been an industry leader for longer than he cares to remember.

Blair first started Cellar Ltd in Wellington and then joined forces with the Aussies 10 years ago to form Red+White Cellar. He is passionate about his business, (don’t be fooled, apparently he’s always working…) his brands (he doesn’t just drink them, he lives them) and his loyal team of trusty side kicks that kick ass selling wine all over the country (Dave is the Robin to his Batman).

He has worked hard to build a company that is recognised as providing amazing service, sell premium products and brands and who love to have a bit of fun.

Dave Aberhart

Head of Sales and Marketing

Dave Aberhart, Mr Muscle of Russel (age 8 yrs) has kept kicking life goals. Starting at Red+White Cellar (a long time ago) as a sales rep to now leading the pack, he supports the sales team in their pursuit to be industry leaders, all the while maintaining his good looks and svelte physique (he is a master of the Gazelle and the Worm).

His devotion to his team and his brands is unquestionable, although a quick conversation is a good conversation in Dave's book, understandably he is a busy man and doesn't sit still for long.

As well as being loved by his team, he is well respected by the industry, being greeted more like an old friend than a work colleague.

One of his greatest loves outside of work is the ocean, taking solitude in the surf to a soundtrack of great tunes or travelling to new coastal spots to chill out with his daughter.

Rebecca Murray

Head of Finance

As the newest member of the finance team, Rebecca brings energy, enthusiasm, and a knack for problem solving, drawing from her past experience in the fast-moving world of retail. Always ready to help the team, suppliers and customers, Rebecca enjoys collaborating to find solutions and improve processes.

After living in London and Dublin, Rebecca has settled back into life in Auckland. Outside of work, Rebecca loves to spend time with her young family, playing tennis or getting outdoors for a hike

Jon Ward

Head of Operations

Jon is a new addition to Red + White Cellar, returning to the liquor industry after a career in Liner Shipping.

Jon accumulated extensive experience in liner shipping, working across the USA, UK, and Australia. This international exposure has equipped him with a global perspective and a deep understanding of logistics. Jon is the go-to man for solving problems and making sure we're always playing tunes in the office.

When Jon isn't keeping things running smoothly at Red + White Cellar, you’ll likely find him out on the golf course, especially on New Zealand's picturesque courses. In recent years, Jon has combined his love for travel with his passion for golf, exploring renowned links courses around the world. Other interests including hiking (he has almost completed New Zealand’s great walks!) and his two dogs Molly and Indie.

Lisa Schultz

One Who Gets It Done

Schultzy’s business card says she’s the “business integration manager”; it should read “one who gets it done”. Basically, if you need something done yesterday, she’s your woman.

This is Lisa’s third stint at Red+White, we’re tempted to say she’s a glutton for punishment, but really we think she’s finally come to her senses..

An expert on stock, a wiz on design and a masterful event organiser, Lisa is the glue that holds us together.

She’s paid her dues in hospo, (once reviewed as Princess Perky) many of you will know her from her various posts over the years, suffice to say she understands what our suppliers and customers need, and pulls out all the stops to deliver.

Brad Nolan

National Key Account Manager / Christchurch

An accomplished winemaker in his not-so-previous life, Brad left his gumboots and the grapes at the amazing Muddy Water Winery for a new challenge in sales. What we've quickly learnt is that Brad is no one-trick pony. He's made light work of getting to know his restaurant and retail customers in an ever changing Christchurch landscape while growing our key accounts nation wide.

When he is not talking wine or helping new establishments build stellar wine lists, he likes to be at home with his wife, children and dog; often in the kitchen cooking and always with a glass of something delicious.

Brad also enjoys dabbling in photography, taking pics mostly of the greatest loves in his life - family, food, and wine.

Beth Fontinha

Auckland

Another long-time standing member of the red+white family, Beth has ruled the retail roost for over 12 years, making sure our delicious drops are readily accessible to the greater Auckland region for your drinking pleasure.

When the weekend beckons, Beth can be seen brunching at the newest spots around Auckland with hubby Mario, walking Takapuna beach with her girls, or at home preparing a feast fit for a Sunday long lunch, with some carefully chosen vino to compliment the spread.

Apparently she is quite adept at synchronised swimming, and although we're yet to witness a demonstration in the flesh, we have no need to doubt this is one of the many things in her box of tricks.

John Meehan

Northland / Auckland

John has been Blair's wingman since the inception of Cellar Ltd, the then-based Wellington company that grew from humble beginnings.

Fast forward to the present and there are not many people in the industry that Johnny hasn't wooed with our quality offerings. His primary customer base is quality Auckland on-premise and one of his great successes has been positioning and protecting our brands in key Auckland and Northland accounts.

While during work hours you may well bump into him enjoying a glass with a customer, outside of the work realm he's out of sight - gardening (with an enviable vege patch that would impress the greenest of thumbs) entertaining & relaxing, always to a soundtrack of modern electronic music.

Tancredi Cilia

Auckland / Italian Fine Wine Manager

Tancredi's journey in the world of food, wine, and hospitality began at an early age, growing up surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere of restaurants in Sicily. Immersed in the art of cooking and the beauty of shared meals, he developed a deep appreciation for flavors, culture, and the connections that great meals create. Always exploring—one glass, one journey, and one story at a time

At 21, Tancredi left Sicily to explore the world, working for five years in the bustling hospitality scene of London, followed by another five years in Melbourne, where he honed his skills and expanded his knowledge of the industry. In 2019, he moved to Auckland, where he continued his career in hospitality before transitioning into wine sales two years ago. Tancredi is one of the newest additions to the Red + White Cellar sales, and with years of experience behind him, we're lucky to have him on board!

Outside of work, Tancredi is an avid explorer of New Zealand’s landscapes, often hiking and discovering new corners of the country. He enjoys spending weekends cooking with friends, always eager to share his love of good food and fine wine.

Aimee Whiting

Auckland Area Manager

Our little ray of sunshine from sunny Nelson, Aimee has a background in accounting and marketing, making her a perfect new addition to our sales team.

Known for her infectious laughter and positive spirit, she’s excited to be part of a dynamic team that shares her passion for wine and fun!

She loves Pilates, dining with friends, and heading back to Nelson in the summer for a spot of boating.

In addition to looking after some of our valued Auckland customers, she leads our social media presence with her typical enthusiasm and positivity.

Joe Chen

Auckland

Originally from Taiwan, Joe is a newer addition to the team, but has quickly made his presence felt with his big personality and infectious enthusiasm.

In a past life Joe was a qualified engineer. With an analytical mind he makes sure that the details don't get lost amongst the noise.

He's not just brains and charisma though. Alongside his eye for detail, Joe also has an eye for the finer things. In addition to a serious wine collection he has:
- a sneaker collection (100's of pairs)
- a very respectable watch collection (50 pieces)
- and a vinyl collection to rival Real Groovy (over 6000 records)

Aaron Barbour

Waikato / BOP / Taupo / Coromandel

With 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry across Hamilton and the Bay of Plenty, Aaron brings a wealth of knowledge to his role with Red+White Cellar. His expertise in customer service and venue management allows him to curate wine lists tailored to each venue, ensuring the perfect selection for any occasion. Passionate about connecting clients with exceptional wines, Aaron is dedicated to building strong relationships within the hospitality community and enhancing the guest experience.

Outside of work, he enjoys staying active. With a passion for golf and cricket he will often be found on the field. Otherwise he will be out exploring the beauty of The Bay of Plenty, walking the beaches of Papamoa or Rotorua's Redwoods Forest with his dog, Kip.

Alex Morrell

Manawatu / Taranaki / Kapiti / Nelson

As soon as you meet Alex you feel that genuine warmth and hospitality. With over 10 years in bizz, from bar to winery and everything in between.

A storyteller by nature, he loves sharing his passion for wine and gets truly excited about creating an epic wine list, finding the right fit for a small town Four Square, or running a wine tasting or events. Looking after the Manawatu, Taranaki, and the Kapiti Coast.

When Alex is not catching up with his customers, he’s usually running up a hill or coming down one on a mountain bike. Enjoying the mighty Manawatu and cooking up a storm in the kitchen with his friends and family along side a bottle of something delicious.

Josh Pointon

Wellington / Wairarapa / Hawke's Bay

After a twenty-year career in hospo, which included a five year stint in Sydney & setting up the iconic Noble Rot Wine Bar in Wellington, in which he is still a partner, Josh decided a change was in order. Having a love for his hometown, Wellington, the opportunity to work with the RWC portfolio was a no-brainer as had always been a go-to when ordering for his own venues!

His love of wine runs deep and when he has a spare weekend or two, he also teaches wine education in Wellington for the wonderful New Zealand School of Wine & Spirits owned by Jane Skilton MW.

When not spending time with customers in Welly, Wairarapa & Hawke’s Bay, Josh is usually up in the hill’s mountain biking, hanging with his two boys or visiting one of his favourite establishments with his soon to be wife & partner in crime.

Tim Woodfield a.k.a Woody

Christchurch

Woody joined red+white cellar following his 10year tenure working and breathing the life of a barman, transitioning into what he refers to his life now as a daywalker and is enjoying every sun filled minute of it.

Armed with the know how of the inner workings of hospitality, Woody services the growing Christchurch hospo market in the new, exciting and expanding city. Having left after the earthquakes to travel the world, he is loving being home and part of the vibrant pulse that's back with a vengeance.

The new work/life balance has given Woody time to enjoy hobbies, snowboarding in the winter, mountain biking in the summer, playing board games and drinking wine with friends all year round.

Connor James

Christchurch / South Canterbury

Connor joined Red+White Cellar after a nearly a decade behind the bar; learning the art of hospitality before making the leap into the world of wine. Now enjoying life on the other side of the bar, he brings his insider knowledge and passion for great drinks to Christchurch’s vibrant hospo scene.

After traveling the world post-earthquakes, Connor is stoked to be back home, embracing the energy of a city on the rise. When he’s not sharing his love for wine, you’ll find him on his snowboard during winter, catching waves in summer, hitting the golf course, or simply enjoying a good bottle of vino with friends—because great wine is always best shared.

Juanita Hart

Central Otago / Otago / Southland

Pocket-rocket
/ˈpɒkɪtˈrɒkɪt/
Noun: Pocket-rocket
A petite, vivacious woman.
``She's a little pocket rocket.``

Petite enough to fit in your pocket, but a force to be reckoned with, Juanita has one gear and that's full throttle.

Living and breathing wine in Central Otago, Juanita understands her customer's needs and devotes herself to supporting them with her time, services and wine - always having a bottle at the ready when a welcomed distraction from the hectic hospo scene beckons.

After all, when you live in wine country, it's your responsibility to embrace it......

Janette Woods

Supply Chain Analyst

With her expertise in supply chain management, Janette is one of the best in the biz. She’s a problem-solving pro, always coming up with innovative solutions and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Janette doesn't stop there, she is always happy and eager to lend a hand wherever she can.

But it's not just her impressive skills that make Janette stand out — it’s her infectious energy and fun-loving personality. She has a knack for brightening up the office with her sense of humor and often talks to herself while working, a quirky habit that makes her even more fun.

Outside of work, Janette is passionate about cooking and baking and enjoying as many glasses of Rosé as she can. She’s often talking about her recent culinary creations at work or heating them up in the kitchen for lunch, a mouth watering smell for everybody else in the office. Janette lives an active lifestyle and walks to and from work every day, keeping both her mind and body in top shape.

Renee Brown

Accounts Manager

Unassumingly adept and with fingers like lightning, Renee navigates her way around our systems like Neo through the Matrix; the gatekeeper of accounts, Renee makes light work of keeping the books in order and our daily operations tight.

Her knowledge of processes means she is our go-to girl, and we’ve learnt that even when she is working through a monster to-do list, for a bottle of her favourite Dog Point Pinot Noir, she is putty in our hands.

At home, her daughter Ola keeps her on her toes, literally, with promises of becoming the next Flo-Jo with her keen ability and love of running. Renee’s love of R&B doesn’t go unnoticed either, shaking things up on the D-floor at staff gatherings, possibly how she has such enviable pins…

Serena Wang

Accounts Officer

Serena is a master of balance – on one hand shes very driven and hard working, whilst on the other prioritises time to delight in things that allow her to relax, recharge and not miss out on life’s simple pleasures.

Testament to her hard working character Sarena is currently pursuing her Master of Business Management at Massey University while working full time in Accounts at red+white cellar.

To name a few of the things she indulges in when snatching a deserving moment to herself:

Serena loves painting to embrace quiet time, is a sunset lover who cherishes those magical moments when the sky turns into a canvas of vibrant hues.. feeling the sunset is a very romantic thing don’t you know ❤

She is a life recorder who enjoys taking pictures to capture moments, especially in travel. She is a dedicated dog person who finds joy in the company of furry friends and has a deep affection for R&B music – a few surprises there!

We could all do with taking a few pages from Serena’s philosophy and pursuit of happiness, we think she’s onto a winner!

Eve Duncan

Business Analyst

To her whanau she is known as “Kooks” derived from her middle name Te Kurairua.

To her colleagues she is known as just plain kooky and we wouldn’t have her any other way!

Eve is also witty AF, an avid story teller, skilled in the art of baking, and a right clever dick – refer profile pic where Eve is snapped graduating with a Chemical Engineer degree, with Honours none the less.

She does have a rather interesting obsession with macabre dolls, her 3rd desk drawer houses the wigs she has recently fashioned for Susan her slightly scary looking porcelain friend….

Eve brings the perfect balance to the office –she is logical, methodical, supportive, endlessly amusing, unpredictable and eternally happy…

Our very own Little Miss Sunshine.

Sam Boylan

Design / Marketing + Customer Experience / Operations

With a rich background in hospitality and customer service, Sam is always ready to help and go above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly. She is an expert problem solver and brings energy, creativity, and kindness she brings to the workplace. Her creativity shines through in her role as our talented graphic designer, where she brings fresh ideas and design expertise to all our projects.

Outside of work, Sam is all about having fun and unwinding. Whether it’s having a dance at a gig, getting lost in a good book, or watching a ``so-bad-it’s-good`` movie with a glass of red wine in hand. Sam is one of the resident office home-bakers, and occasionally treats the office to her (hopefully) delicious homemade goods.

Sam lives with her adorable three-legged cat, Ramona.

Jaquelina Tejada

Customer Experience / Operations

Meet Jaqui, a vibrant Argentinian with a passion for life, food, and, of course, wine! With years of experience in the wine industry, she has an impeccable taste for bold reds that match her lively personality. Jaqui’s passion for wines, problem-solving skills and exceptional customer service makes her the perfect fit for our busy team!

After moving from the beautiful Mendoza 🍇 to New Zealand to explore its stunning wine regions, she fell in love with the landscape and the culture, deciding to call it home. But that doesn’t stop her adventurous spirit—Jaqui still finds time to travel whenever she can, seeking out new culinary experiences and embracing every opportunity for a delicious barbeque. Whether she's curating an unforgettable event or sharing her favorite wines, Jaqui brings a unique flair spreading joy with her warm personality.

Jaqui is a vibrant part of our team, blending her Argentinian roots with New Zealand charm!

Shannon Johnson

Customer Experience / Operations

Shannon, or more commonly known as “Schenin Blanc ” is not unlike the wine style that doesn’t take itself too seriously, except for when she does and its game face on when she gets down to business.

Her deadpan stare can instantaneously combust into the biggest brightest smile when she busts out a cheeky joke.

Shannon is a deep thinker, she likes to pick issues apart and put them back together in the form of a well thought out solution, an apt skill for someone who deals in the world of customer service.

In the outside world, Shannon is pretty decent at a game of darts, or lawn bowls and hails from a family of trophy winners in this department!

She loves weekends away catching up with family from the Far North to the Bay of Plenty, but is equally happy at home with a couple of friends, a charcuterie and an extra cold glass of Pinot Gris.

Chloe De Zoete

Customer Experience / Operations

Chloe is the newest member of our customer service team. She brings a unique background with her, having transitioned recently from the hospitality industry. Chloe has a wealth of other experience, including working as an air hostess, where she developed excellent communication skills and a strong ability to manage a variety of situations with grace and professionalism.

Chloe is a true connoisseur when it comes to wine – her favourites include a crisp glass of Rosé or a refreshing Champagne, perfect for unwinding after a busy day. Outside of work, Chloe is a big fan of watching Married At First Sight (MAFS) – the perfect guilty pleasure to keep up with all the drama.