OUR PEOPLE
At Mahi, we’re a small team brought together by a shared passion for Marlborough, thoughtful winemaking, and telling the stories behind each wine.
Founded by Brian and Nicola Bicknell, Mahi remains a close-knit team where experience, care, and fresh ideas come together. Each person brings their own skills and perspective, united by a commitment to authenticity, quality, and the continued evolution of Mahi.
Brian & Nicola Bicknell – Winemaker and Owners
Mahi’s story began with Brian and Nicola Bicknell — a shared love of wine, a spirit of adventure, and a belief in doing things their own way.
Their journey started with a long-distance romance while Brian studied viticulture in Australia and Nic pursued art and design in Canada, before they reunited in New Zealand in 1986. Together, they embarked on a winemaking journey that took them through vintages in Hungary, France, and Chile before returning home to Marlborough in 1996.
In 2001, the vision for Mahi became reality with their first vintage, followed by the purchase of the Mahi winery in Renwick in 2006. Today, Brian leads the winemaking, drawing on more than 20 vintages of experience around the world, while Nic’s creative eye and design expertise continue to shape the Mahi identity.
Together, Brian and Nic remain closely involved in Mahi, bringing their shared passion for wine, design, and Marlborough to everything they do.
Phoebe Cathcart – Winemaker
Phoebe’s story with Mahi began over a decade ago, joining the team for vintage in 2009 and 2010 before returning in 2017 as Assistant Winemaker. Originally from Ireland, she brings a wealth of winemaking experience from around the world, including time in Burgundy, Beaujolais, and Nelson.
With a childhood shaped by food, wine, and hospitality, Phoebe has a deep appreciation for the moments shared around the table. Her passion extends beyond the vineyard to cooking, travel, music, and the many pleasures that inspire her along the way.
Max Bicknell – sales & Distribution
Max joined the Mahi team in 2020 after returning from New York, where he was working at a winery during the challenges of Covid-19. As the son of Brian and Nicola, Max grew up surrounded by wine and the rhythms of the winery, though his path initially took him elsewhere — including a law degree, plenty of travel, and years working in hospitality.
His love for wine and Marlborough always remained, eventually bringing him back to the family business. After the 2023 vintage, Max headed to Wellington to gain experience in sales and distribution with Pernod Ricard before returning to Mahi full-time.
Today, Max is involved in all corners of the business, from sales and marketing to logistics, the warehouse, and lending a hand wherever he’s needed.