The second ‘Who’s that girl?’ interview in an occasional series – questions and write up from Meg.

Jane Forrest really is the person at the heart of the Durvillea story. She is wife to Simon Waghorn (winemaker) and mother to Arabella, Libby and Meg. Jane is also a director of Astrolabe Wines and a multi-tasking machine who works in the office, out on sales trips, and among the vines, garden and olive grove at Astrolabe Farm.

What is your role at Durvillea?: I am responsible for leading the brand into the marketplace. That means I am involved in decisions right through from production to sales. However it is not me alone; the unique thing is way my daughters Meg, Libby and Arabella and my niece Sophie are also involved. This is a blend of family and business. Durvillea works from within Astrolabe, we refer to it as Astrolabe’s little sister. The relationship is strong but the brands are separate.

How did you come to be involved in the wine industry?: I married in! Simon Waghorn, our wine maker, and I met at university. We have been together for almost thirty years. As Astrolabe grew I became more involved on a daily basis and for the last four years I have worked in the office, with marketing, entertaining guests and clients and just about anything else that needs doing. We are a small team. For the last four years we have lived at Astrolabe Farm which means that I am also involved in grape growing. Durvillea has given me the opportunity to step forward and lead my own project. It is very exciting.

What’s the best part of the industry?: I think the spirit of hospitality that underlies why we make and sell wine. It is a great thing to share and enjoy food and wine . It is something that is intrinsic to the way I grew up and they way we live. It also brings you in contact with lots of interesting and wonderful people.

What about the worst part?: When my children were small it was the long hours of vintage. Now, for me it is the double edged sword of family and business being so closely linked that it’s hard not be thinking and talking about work all the time.

What are some other jobs you’ve had?: I was a librarian and most recently the Children’s Librarian at the Marlborough District Library. I studied librarianship while Simon was at Roseworthy [Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia – where Simon studied oenology. Meg]. I am also a qualified teacher and loved being a new entrant teacher. I have also taught ante-natal classes and worked for Family Planning as an educator.

Where’s the best place your work has taken you?: The Marsh’s Library in Dublin. Dublin is our largest export market. The Marsh Library is in the close of St Patrick’s Cathedral is a hidden gem. Closely followed by the New York Public Library!

What do you like about living in Marlborough?: The wonderful light.

Where would you take a visitor to Marlborough?: A picnic in the olive grove here at Astrolabe Farm is always good. Mind you a tour around the coloured fountain in Seymour Square is also a family favourite. More seriously, if we are taking people out for dinner we usually go to Hotel D’Urville. However for more casual family dinners we often go to Dodson’s for pizza.

What’s your favourite wine varietal?: It depends on the weather. I am a seasonal creature. Give me Pinot or Chardonnay with fires and casseroles but now there is a hint of spring in the air I am looking forward to the asparagus coming up in my garden. In anticipation I am drinking Sauvignon Blanc.

What has been your favourite thing so far about your involvement with Durvillea?: Working with my girls.

Who would you recommend Durvillea to?: Everyone. I picture Durvillea as wine at a price point that makes it accessible to share with friends. A bottle to put in the supermarket trolley when you are shopping for dinner.

If you were to describe the Durvillea Sauvignon Blanc in one sentence what would you say?: Great value, over-delivering on quality, with a fabulous label.