Janiene Bayliss is co-owner and Director of Ata Mara Estate, a vineyard encompassing over 20 hectares in Central Otago, New Zealand. That may sound casual, but she was actually the one that converted the land from sheep farming into vineyards producing hand crafted, award winning, and internationally selling wines back in the early 2000s! This family-run company focuses on quality Pinot Noir along with white varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gruner Veltliner – all of which do well in the cool and tricky climate of Central Otago. Production is about 12,000 cases per year.
Bayliss was just named as one of the Women of Influence by Decanter, in large part because of her work with other women in the wine industry. In 2018, she launched the Women in Wine in Central Otago, an organization which provides professional support and a platform for women working in the New Zealand wine world. The group has over 200 members and has been recognized and lauded by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Bayliss also does a significant amount of consulting work and mentoring with different organizations around the country, including highlighting to young adults just leaving school the wealth of career opportunities in the wine world.
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