Warwick, a fifth generation New Zealander grew up on the property that he and Edel later established Johanneshof Cellars on. As a teenager his parents encouraged him to follow his dream and plant one of the first vineyards in Marlborough on their land in 1977. Although not commercial at that time, the vineyard at Koromiko consisted of different varieties. It was one of the first vineyards in Marlborough and the first vineyard in Marlborough planted on a steep hillside.Taking up viticulture and winemaking training in Germany led him to work in renown wineries in Rheingau and Baden for the following five years. While attending Geisenheim University as a guest student he took the opportunity to subsidise his studies by working as an English tour guide at the famous winery and cellar of Schloss Johannisberg and as steward at one of the world's most famous wine auctions in Kloster Eberbach. Warwick took every opportunity to visit many of Europe's winemaking areas during his time there and has a deep admiration for the culture and tradition of his guest countries.