For more than a decade, Duncan McTavish has helped shape the identity of Man O' War, the acclaimed family-owned winery on New Zealand's Waiheke Island. Known for crafting terroir-driven wines that express the character of their vineyard sites, he oversees a portfolio that spans coastal Waiheke vineyards, Marlborough's sub-alpine landscapes, and the rugged hillsides of Central Otago.
Duncan McTavish
"Man O' War is reputed for producing terroir-driven wines from Waiheke Island, and we give a direct translation of each site into a glass or bottle of wine," says McTavish. "We are incredibly proud to craft wines from some truly spectacular vineyard sites across New Zealand, from coastal vineyards on Waiheke Island, to a sub-alpine Marlborough development, and of course the rugged hillsides of Central Otago."
The winery itself is steeped in history. Situated on the eastern coast of Waiheke Island, Man O' War Bay was named by Captain Cook during his first voyage in 1769, when he identified the area's magnificent Kauri trees as ideal masts for naval vessels. The Spencer family planted their first vines on the 4,500-acre farm in 1993, laying the foundations for what would become one of New Zealand's most distinctive wine estates.
Over the next two decades, the family continued to challenge convention, seeking out the best vineyard sites across the property. Today, Man O' War's viticulture is deeply rooted in the wild, windswept spirit of the Hauraki Gulf. Its maritime climate, varied topography, and patchwork of coastal vineyard sites capture a diverse range of terroirs, producing wines from more than 75 vineyard plots spread across approximately 150 acres under vine.
Man O' War Bay is also home to New Zealand's only beachfront tasting room, where visitors can experience the diversity of the estate firsthand. Distinct volcanic soil profiles and microclimates shape each vineyard site, with clones, rootstocks, and planting densities carefully selected to suit their surroundings. The same philosophy extends south through the Spencer family's Swiftsure Vineyards, reflecting a deep commitment to expressing the character of New Zealand's landscapes.
The winery's viticulture and winemaking team has remained unchanged for more than a decade, with McTavish at the helm. He oversees three tiers of wines: The White Label estate wines, Black Label flagship wines, and the top-tier Kulta Gold Label wines. Highlights include the structured Dreadnought Syrah, awarded 94 points by James Suckling; the mineral-driven Valhalla Chardonnay, recognised with up to 95 points from Cam Douglas MS; the Ironclad Bordeaux Blend, awarded 96 points by Bob Campbell MW; and the vibrant Exiled Pinot Gris.
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For McTavish, the key to producing distinctive wines lies in understanding each vineyard site intimately and allowing it to speak for itself.
"We have a very clear vision of what we want to create with respect to each vineyard site," he says. "We focus on the structure of the wine, and in doing so, that determines the flavour and aroma profile that the wines exhibit."
To achieve that, he spends a great deal of time studying the climatic conditions of each vineyard and how the vines respond to them, before guiding the fruit into wine with as little intervention as possible. That philosophy extends beyond the vineyards to the hospitality experiences that surround them.
"Beyond the vineyards, that philosophy extends to hospitality with venues that reflect the character of each region and showcase some of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes," he explains. "From the secluded coastal setting of the Man O' War Tasting Room & Restaurant on Waiheke Island, to Swiftsure's South Island bistro elevated above historic Arrowtown in Central Otago with sweeping alpine views, each destination offers a distinct sense of place."
That sense of place is now being introduced to Singapore through Man O' War's exclusive partnership with Marina Bay Sands, marking the winery's first major entry into the local market.
"We wanted to bring Man O' War Wines to Singapore now to grow our export markets and share our wines with a wider audience," says McTavish. "We are a small producer with a strong reputation, and now that we have introduced Swiftsure, our South Island vineyards, we are excited to grow the reputation of those wines as well. We have a strong desire to bring our wines into markets that have exceptional culinary and service standards, and Singapore felt like the right place for that."
The six-month partnership gives diners the opportunity to experience Man O' War's portfolio of premium wines across multiple dining concepts at Marina Bay Sands before they become more widely available in the market.
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"Strategic partnerships are a great way to introduce premium wine into a market, especially when there is a strong fit between the producer and the platform," says McTavish. "For Man O' War and Marina Bay Sands, the relationship is mutually beneficial. We have access to a world-class hospitality venue, an array of top-quality restaurants and customers, while our wines help enrich the Marina Bay Sands experience by becoming part of its culinary offering."
The collaboration was also shaped by a shared commitment to excellence in hospitality. "The service level at Marina Bay Sands is second to none, and we're confident that our wines will be curated in the best manner possible with the amazing sommelier team led by Britt Ng, Wine Director of Marina Bay Sands," he says. "The attention to detail across all levels of service is impressive, something we really valued when choosing the right partners. We are building iconic brands for Man O' War and Swiftsure, so it feels fitting to work alongside the iconic Marina Bay Sands as we bring our wines to Singapore."
As New Zealand wine continues to gain recognition internationally, McTavish believes the country's strength lies in its diversity.
"The New Zealand wine industry is only five decades old, and we are a young country making up a very small percentage of global wine production. Even so, we have built an enormous reputation for quality on the world stage," he says. "Part of what makes that story so interesting is our regionality. New Zealand is an island country in the South Pacific, and there is a huge range of influences across the different regions, from soil and climate to elevation.
"At Man O' War and Swiftsure, we have vineyards from Waiheke, Marlborough, and Central Otago, providing us with the opportunity to showcase three significant wine-growing regions from New Zealand on the world stage."
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