As a locally owned family contracting business, we are committed to exceptional workmanship and service you can rely on

About Us

Practical Vineyard Solutions Ltd (PVS) is a locally owned and operated viticultural contracting business based in Marlborough, run by Brian, Ben and Kathy Wells.  With more than 40 years of experience in the local wine industry, Brian has worked across every level of vineyard management, from small family blocks to large-scale corporate vineyards.  His extensive knowledge ensures that each client benefits from practical, proven solutions tailored to their vineyard’s unique needs.  Ben has worked in the viticulture industry for over 10 years and  takes care of the operations side of the business.  He works closely with our chemical representative, keeping up to date with chemical workshops to come up with a robust spray programme each season.  Kathy complements this expertise with a strong background in accountancy, managing the business administration to ensure projects run smoothly and efficiently.  Together, along with a fantastic and reliable team of machinery operators, they offer a professional, hands-on service that helps vineyard owners achieve optimum efficiency, strong yields, and long-term vine health.

In addition to vineyard management and contract services, PVS also operate Marlborough Tree & Hedge Trimming, a complementary service that specialises in large-scale hedge cutting and tree trimming for vineyards, farms, driveways and shelter belts.  Using specialised equipment with a 12-metre reach, the team can handle even the most challenging trimming jobs safely and effectively.  Whether you need vineyard expertise or reliable hedge and tree maintenance, PVS and Marlborough Tree & Hedge Trimming work side by side to deliver trusted, professional solutions for the Marlborough region. 

Meet the team

Brian Wells – Owner

Brian started his viticulture career at the age of 21 after a few years of working on farms. The vineyard industry captured his interest, and he went on to study in viticulture, obtaining a certificate in horticultural practice and wine production.  He started working on the vineyard for Highfield Estate, then moved on to work for a local contracting company for a few years.  Then he took up an opportunity as a vineyard foreman at Corbans Wines.     After more study in viticulture through EIT he moved forward to a vineyard management role for this company. Company restructuring some years later led him to a change of direction into large scale vineyard developments and area management roles first with Montana and later with Nobilo Wine Group, which then became Constellation Brands.  In 2015 Brian decided he wanted to start up his own contracting business to provide local vineyard owners with quality services and utilise his extensive knowledge of the viticulture industry.  He also now holds a Growsafe Registered Chemical Applicator Qualification, which is the highest qualification for a spraying contractor.

Ben Wells – Operations Manager

Ben grew up with a passion for vineyards, spending a lot of time working alongside family members tending to the vines.  He quickly progressed through to operating machinery competently and efficiently.  Ben has worked in Western Australia driving seed drills and fertiliser spreaders, which he found to be a great experience.  He has also worked for a family-owned vineyard in the Awatere and Marisco Vineyards for several years, where he progressed to being a foreman, overseeing staff and organising some of the machinery operations.  As PVS  grew, Ben came on board and is now the Operations Manager, looking after all vineyard operations and managing staff.

Kathy Wells – Owner/Office Manager

Kathy began her career in accounting working for a local accounting firm where she remained until starting a family.  Since then, she has worked for various businesses taking care of their day-to-day administration and accounting requirements.  In 2015 she moved on to jointly set up the business of Practical Vineyard Solutions.  Kathy runs all of the administrative side of the company, along with Health & Safety compliance, processing of spray applications and liaising with customers and wine companies throughout the season.