Rob Hay and Gerda Schumann own Chard Farm. Motueka born Rob studied winemaking in Germany for 3 years in the early eighties before returning to New Zealand in 1985 to work for Babich wines in Auckland before heading south to establish the Chard Farm vineyard in 1987 with his brother Greg. Gerda is actively involved in the administration of the business. They have twin boys - Nico & Joachim - and a daughter Romy.

The viticultural team and Chard Farm vineyard consultancy service is led by Rob Hay with Michelle Crawford as Vineyard Manager.