Our People are the heart and soul of URLAR
Kohei Koyama
After graduating from the University of Tokyo with a law degree, Kohei worked 11 years for financial sectors in Tokyo and London, where he became passionate in wine.
To pursue his dream of winemaking, his family moved to New Zealand, where he studied at Lincoln University, which is renowned as the oldest agricultural school in the Southern Hemisphere. There, he graduated from the university with a bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology with Distinction.
He worked in Russian River valley of California and Muddy Water/Greystone in Waipara to gain experience and knowledge, and found an ideal vineyard in a permacultual village to look after near Nelson.
He values working alongside the land and he has gained attention as a winegrower who manages the whole process from grape growing to winemaking himself. At URLAR, he oversees the grape growing, winemaking and marketing as he delivers quality wines and the story of URLAR to the customers.
Aaron
Aaron Zuccaro brings an exceptional blend of science, craftsmanship, and leadership to his role as Head Winemaker at Urlar. With 15 years of winemaking experience across New Zealand, Australia, France, and the USA, Aaron has honed his craft working with esteemed wineries and refining his expertise across diverse winemaking regions. A graduate of Charles Sturt University (Bachelor of Wine Science) and the University of Melbourne (Bachelor of Science, Honours), his scientific rigor underpins his meticulous approach to producing wines of remarkable quality and authenticity. Aaron is particularly renowned for his expertise with Pinot Noir, a varietal that aligns beautifully with Urlar’s Gladstone vineyards.
Beyond the cellar, Aaron is a dynamic leader and collaborator, with a track record of fostering team development, optimizing winery operations, and ensuring a strong focus on quality at every stage. His science-driven perspective and extensive judging experience lend a sharp eye to innovation, while his dedication to organic and biodynamic practices reflects a commitment to sustainable winemaking. At Urlar, Aaron channels his skills and passion into crafting wines that showcase the Wairarapa’s distinctive terroir, elevating the estate’s reputation both locally and internationally.
Bevan
A born and bred local. Bevan spent 4 years overseas before returning to study at Massey University, after graduating and working in finance decided to changed tack and work outdoors leading to him introduction to vineyards and viticulture. Subsequently he studied at EIT in the Hawkes Bay and graduating with a Certificate in Viticulture.
After working and managing in many different vineyards throughout the Wairarapa mostly through contract managing and using mostly conventional practices he joined URLAR in 2012 and have embraced organic management.
Gained a Certificate in Applied Organics and Biodynamics at Taruna College in Hawkes Bay. Committed to continue to produce high quality fruit through organic and biodynamic practices for URLAR.
Karen
Originally from the Wairarapa, Karen studied International Marketing with Japanese language at Waikato University and worked at Wilson & Horton in Auckland as a Marketing Assistant. Other employment in New Zealand includes ENZA, Nelson (now Turners & Growers), bringing Living Earth Compost to Wellington and assisting with the implementation of SAP & leading the Customer Master Data team for Fonterra (Hamilton).
Karen began working at URLAR in 2009 and gets URLAR wine from the winery to the customer – bottling, labelling, shipping and documentation are part of her role. She also compiles various reports, pays staff and builds customer relationships with key stakeholders. She enjoys the staff BBQ’s, seaweed gathering at the beach and getting out of the office now and again to make compost!
Tess
Tess looks after the Wairarapa Sales at URLAR. She is all about good relationships & working together to promote the fantastic products we produce here in the Wairarapa.
Born in the Wairarapa she was involved from a young age helping on the family vineyard “Bloomfields”. She then persued her studies & qualified in Textile & Design. She began her own business “Tessa Bloomfield Design” in her early 20’s specialised in one off made to measure mens shirts.
Tess has had many years of experience in many aspects of the wine industry including Cellar Door Management, Marketing and Sales for over 18 years. She has a huge passion for her family, wine & food, the arts, design, fitness & wellness.
Favouite quote: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love” Mother Teresa