Who We Are
Whale Islands brand was established in 2013 as part of the vegan lineup in the Moana Park Estate portfolio. Following the sale of Moana Park in 2022, Whale Islands is now in the capable hands of Wine veteran Ross Burney. Ross has a long career in the wine industry, spanning 4 decades, and Whale Islands is a representation of a life's work.
Sustainability
At Whale Islands we aim go one step further and generate positive impact in the wine sector by embedding and executing our sustainability strategy within the team and our business strategy. Our sustainability strategy also aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Behind the scenes, we have been working on the execution of this sustainability strategy taking into consideration the triple balance between people, planet and profit, while maintaining a holistic and systemic approach, and using innovation consciously to solve problems.
We are all – consciously or unconsciously - on this journey now. We embark to embed positive impact into our everyday practices in the world of wine.
Meet Our Team of Dedicated Staff Who Bring You The Finest Products
Steve Bird - Wine Maker
Steve's journey in winemaking started in 1978, with an after school job at the sole local winery which quickly paved his passion and career in winemaking. After studying in Australia and completing an internationally recognised degree in wine science, he returned to his homeland where he joined New Zealand's burgeoning wine industry.
winemaker@mad-international.org
Akino Myoi - Japan
Akino studied in New Zealand and graduated from Aucklands Massey University.
Since returning to Japan, Akino has held various marketing and sales roles within the cosmetics and food and beverage sectors.
Akino lives in beautiful Yokohama with her Husband and Daughter.
akino@mad-international.org
Ross Burney - Australia & NZ
Ross has had a very successful career as a wine and spirits guru, leading teams for the likes of Pernod Ricard, Wolf Blass, and been a successful investor in several NZ wineries. With this wealth of experience, Ross has been able to create his latest masterpiece. Whale Islands.
ross@mad-international.org
Steve Almaraz - USA
Steve has over three decades of expertise in distribution, sales, and marketing, & is a seasoned industry leader and founder. Steve's journey includes pivotal roles such as Vice President of Sales at Firestone Walker Brewing, Director of Craft Category at Reyes Beer Division, and as President of Figueroa Mountain Brewing. Steve's extensive background also encompasses 7 years in wine, beer, and spirits sales management at Wine Warehouse.
Steve is also a certified Cicerone.
steve@mad-international.org
Emmy - Vineyard assistant
Emmy helps out around the vineyards and makes sure the winemakers and viticulture guys are doing a good job. Thanks Emmy..
mwi@mad-international.org
Grant Humphrey - Asia & Europe
Grant has been based in Japan since 1994. His focus has been building relationships & assisting foreign manufacturers enter and grow into Asian and more recently European markets. His efforts have culminated in the successful distribution of products across an expansive network of over 30,000 retail outlets
grant@mad-international.org