Alex Roper

Alex Roper, Head Winemaker at Mission Estate (Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand).

Alex Roper studied Wine Science at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) in Hawke’s Bay. While studying, he joined Mission Estate initially in 2007, working part-time and gaining hands-on experience, including at the Cellar Door on weekends. In 2011, he re-joined Mission Estate full-time, working closely alongside Paul Mooney (the long-serving winemaker) and learning Mission’s winemaking style and methods. In 2024, Alex was promoted to Head Winemaker at Mission Estate, following the retirement of Paul Mooney. He is attentive to environmental management & sustainability; this includes practices that reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency, and maintain viticultural health. He values fruit purity, balance, and wines that reflect their vineyard, vintage, and the region. He believes excellence comes not just in ideal vintages but more so when conditions are adverse; that’s where all the vineyard work, winemaking choices, and experience show.