Saint Clair was really excited to welcome the first of the Ibbotson family's third generation to work at the winery recently. Neal and Judy's eldest grandchild - Sarina's daughter Ayla (pictured above with Sarina and Neal), has joined the team for a few months over her gap year before going to The University of Central Otago in Dunedin to study dance choreography and education, as part of a BA.
Asked about being the first of the grandchildren to work at the winery, Ayla gave her own take on what it means to her:
“It has been an absolute honour to officially join the Saint Clair team. Despite being a part of it all since birth I have never really understood what goes on behind the scenes until now. I grew up coming into the winery with Mum and hearing Ibbo (as we call our Grandad, Neal) tell stories over lunch, but since joining the team I have learned to appreciate just how much hard work and dedication my family have given to this place," she said.
"It has inspired me to do the same. I love coming into the office each day ready to face a new challenge. From packing up Christmas gifts to sending samples all over the world, I have learnt so many valuable life skills. The team is outstanding and so supportive making even the impossible seem possible. I am forever grateful to have the family I have; they have shown me what hard work truly looks like and I am so fortunate to be the third generation of Ibbos to join the Saint Clair team.”
It is testament to the solid foundations that Neal and Judy have put into the business and the ongoing hard work and success of the whole team that the business is now in a position to welcome the third generation; and everyone looks forward to more grandchildren joining over the next few years!
