Thursday, 30 April 2015 14:13

Young Guns - Alex Hendry

Written by 
Alex Hendry, vineyard manger and cellar hand. Alex Hendry, vineyard manger and cellar hand.

Alex Hendry, age 26, is a vineyard manager at La Collina Vineyard and a cellar hand at Linden Estate.

How Long Have You Worked In Hawke’s Bay?

Since 2006 

What Brought You To Hawke’s Bay?

Wine of course. I left Auckland after high school to obtain the Bachelor of Wine Science at Eastern Institute of Technology and have remained working in the region.

Where Have You Travelled In Wine To Get Here?

No overseas vintages as of yet, my young family takes priority. Have travelled to most of New Zealand wine regions with Hawke’s Bay being of most interest.

What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Job?

The creative and idealistic side of winemaking is what keeps me going. Whether this is just reading about historic wine regions and styles or being free to experiment. It’s a job where being obsessive really pays off. All the little extra things throughout the year really add up to make a difference.   

What Do You Enjoy Most About Hawke’s Bay?

Within wine it’s definitely Syrah!! And is the reason I love Hawke’s Bay as a wine region. And outside of wine it’s the relaxed attitude of the region and living by the sea. 

When You’re Not Making Wine?

Spending time with my family around home or BBQs with friends are always the best. Otherwise reading and music are a major part of life... and planning to take over the world.

It Sucks When….

Passion and enthusiasm get railroaded by industry, price points and politics. When small artisan family businesses are driven out by high costs of production and when true authentic, idealistic and natural wines are masked again by industry, overuse and reliance on chemical treatments and recipe based winemaking techniques. We should be backing creative, young and individual producers working with unique pieces of land alongside the already established!!   

Your Favourite Wine?

Too many favourites for one. But one that interests me most is a wine I have never tried but defiantly aim to. Podere Le Ripi ‘Bonsai’ from Montalcino, Italy. The dedication, passion and hard work put into this insane project could only produce perfection. 

Which Wine Region Excites You Most Right Now?

Lately I have been focused on the Northern Rhone and their Syrah. This area is a huge inspiration for the wines we produce in Hawkes Bay. Not just the wines but also the care and attention involved in the steep vineyards and unique terroir they farm.

Future Aspirations?

Long-term would be growing and producing my own wines. Steep slopes, high density and biodynamically run vineyards. One just needs to find the perfect spot and until then I’ll always be dreaming.

More like this

Young winemakers

2015 saw the first ever Young Winemaker of the Year competition held in New Zealand.

Death of an innovator

Wim van der Linden, the founder of Hawke’s Bay’s Linden Estate, recently died having made a significant contribution to the New Zealand wine industry.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Editorial

Welcome to 2024!

Welcome to 2024!

OPINION: The New Year is now well underway and appears to have started promisingly on the weather front, with lots…

Agritech's relentless growth

Agritech's relentless growth

OPINION: Witnessing the relentless growth of agritech in New Zealand vineyards and wineries is somewhat "bittersweet" for Tahryn Mason, who…

Popular Reads

Ten years of Méthode Marlborough

New Zealand wine enthusiasts have a deepening understanding and growing appreciation of sparkling wine, says Mel Skinner, Chair of Méthode Marlborough…