Amani Mongane
Amani, 27, was studying International Relations at Coventry University when COVID-19 hit. Going into lockdown in university halls was challenging and had knock-on impacts on his mental wellbeing.
When he returned to Polegate he was wondering what to do next when he discovered Rathfinny were looking for pickers to join in the 2022 harvest. He had never heard about English wine before and at first was nervous, but he soon found support from his picking team, particularly team leader, David McMaster, who took him ‘under his wing’.
Now in his third harvest and working full-time as part of the Vineyard team, Armani feels he has found his calling and developed a passion for working outdoors for the natural world. He still pauses each time he drives up to the Estate to look out at the view down the Cuckmere Valley and feels grateful to be enjoying each day; working at a beautiful place with such a friendly and supportive team.
Pam Rogers
Pam Rogers is celebrating her fifth harvest at Rathfinny and has been a member of the core Vineyard team for the past two years. Over this time, Pam has developed a reputation as a Great British Bake-Off star in-waiting, regularly improving morale among the team and raising money on charity days with gorgeous home-baked cakes and other culinary delights.
Pam was born in England but grew up in Zambia and South Africa. Wine has been a recurring theme in her life, from a Rotary International exchange in Barossa Valley wine to living near Burgundy in France, and now as a Team Leader with Rathfinny.
She finds harvest very rewarding as it is a culmination of a year’s hard work. Picking also gives the chance to meet new people and hear about their lives and experiences. When not out in the Vineyard, Pam enjoys travelling, visiting other wine estates and walking with her lively three-year-old border terrier, often around the Estate.
David McMaster
David McMaster is in his sixth harvest at Rathfinny. As a wine lover, he followed the Estate’s progress from when Mark & Sarah first bought the land in 2010. But it was not until 2019 however that he managed to join the team for a harvest.
As a member of the core team, he enjoys following the vine’s progress across the year, seeing how the seasons and interventions shape the vine. One of the joys of his work is spending time with an eclectic group of people from different walks of life.
Based in Brighton, David is now a team leader at Rathfinny and is the editor of the internal newsletter, The Grapevine, which keeps his pencil sharp following a career as an editor at national newspapers. In his spare time, he enjoys trying the Rathfinny wines with his wife and they are particularly fond of the Sparkling Rosé. A real commitment to quality.
David Gibby
2024 marks David Gibby’s third harvest at Rathfinny. For nearly 30 years he was a Civil Servant, predominantly working in Eastbourne. Having lived in Sussex since he was 16, he has seen the region evolve and change, with vineyards appearing in recent years.
His sister was a fan of Rathfinny wines, and they enjoyed them together over Christmas before Daivd later discovered an advert in the Hailsham newspaper for a role at the Estate for grape pickers and thought he would give it a try.
He feels there is real excitement this year, with a large number of new pickers joining this season, creating a vibrant and enthusiastic team. For David, being part of Rathfinny’s harvest is more than just work—it’s about camaraderie and witnessing the fruits of their labour come to life in the final wines.
