Matt Mitchell will replace Liam McElhinney, who has been Marisco Vineyards' winemaker for the past four years and has seen the company through a period of major growth. He is leaving to pursue ventures outside the wine industry.

Mitchell, who has amassed 20 years' experience as a winemaker, has previously worked with many prestigious estates across New Zealand, including Ager Sectus and Yealands.

Brent Marris, chief winemaker and Marisco Vineyards proprietor, said: "Although it is a farewell to our dear friend Liam and we are sure he will be an extraordinary success in his next adventure, we are delighted to have Matt on board and are looking forward to tasting his skills with the 2013 vintage."

The new packaging will be showcased on the new vintages of The King's Series, which include The King's Favour Sauvignon Blanc 2012 and The King's Thorn Pinot Gris 2012.

The design was co-developed by Siobhan Wilson, Marisco Vineyards sales and marketing manager, and the company's glass supplier ESVIN at their plant in Yantai, China.

NBC, the glass manufacturer, is one of the largest glass suppliers in China, however this is its first shipment into the New Zealand market.