Obsidian is owned by a small group of wine enthusiasts - Lindsay and Janet Spilman and Alan and Bev Wiltshire. Lindsay Spilman, an Obsidian Director, has had a long association and enthusiasm for wine, dating back to his years as a student. His passion for Bordeaux-style wines lead him to Waiheke Island where he realised his dream to be part of a dedicated team producing great reds. Lindsay has a background in business management and marketing. Alan Wiltshire, also an Obsidian Director, also shares a passion for wine, coupled with interests in the hospitality industry. 

Michael Wood (Vigneron - Viticulturalist & Winemaker) 


Michael Wood joined Obsidian in August 2005. He developed a love for Waiheke and its special grape growing environment while working at Passage Rock as assistant winemaker. In particular, Michael found that working with syrah was his passion and he is delighted with the wines made from the four Obsidian syrah blocks. Michael's wine experience goes back to Germany and Australia. He worked in the winery of “Weingut Heitlinger” in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany (met and married his German wife, Jeannette) and Mudgee, NSW for Simon Gilbert Wine Services. Michael trained in viticulture in Blenheim where he completed his diploma in Viticulture and Wine Production from the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology in 2001. More recently Michael has completed two vintages at Domain Courbis in the French Northern Rhone Regions of St. Joseph and Cornas.