Displaying items by tag: INTERVIEW

Bragato Research Institute Chief Executive MJ Loza has had a busy 18 months, helping drive the establishment and development of the national wine research centre, based in Blenheim.

East Coast Farming Expo 2020 manager, Sue Wilson talks about the expo and her highlights from the last few years.

Julia Harding passed the Master of Wine exams at the first attempt in 2004, the top student of her year.

Growing up in New Zealand's fruit basket of Katikati, in the Bay of Plenty, it is no surprise Dr Dave Jordan (more commonly known as DJ) found his career niche in the world of horticultural science.

Ensconced in an annex next to an unruly shed of tanks and barrels in Alexandra, it doesn't look much like French winemaker Antony Worch is living the dream. But I suggest you don't tell him that.

Once again we talk to a couple of the guest speakers who will be attending the International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration 2016.

Once again we talk to a couple of the guest speakers who will be attending the International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration 2016.

Four contestants took part in this year's Bayer Young Viticulturist.
They are the subject of our Young Guns.

Name: Scott Lancely
Age: 27
Occupation: Vineyard and Operations Worker for Craggy Range - Martinborough

How long have you worked in Martinborough?

For six years, two years firstly as a contract worker and was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time to land a full time job at Craggy Range, starting as a general vineyard worker then moving into operations. Before vineyards I was in hospitality around the Wairarapa.

What brought you to Martinborough?

I originally lived in Wellington city until I was 10, then moved to the Wairarapa with my family. It's a fantastic region to grow up in if you enjoy the outdoors and making your own fun without the city amenities.

Where have you travelled in wine to get here?

Apart from visiting places throughout New Zealand, the Hawke's Bay in particular, I haven't travelled to any other regions of the world. Although I hope to change that soon!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love working outdoors and taking on the challenges of the weather in the Wairarapa, well known for wet and windy times but beautiful hot summer days. I don't think I could go back to working indoors. The challenge of producing the best possible grapes season to season in variable conditions is what I love most though.

What do you enjoy most about Martinborough?

The country living lifestyle, producing some of the best wines and produce that can only be good for you. With a promising future for our wine industry I am excited to be living and working here, and I couldn't think of a better place to raise my children.

When you're not making wine or growing grapes?

I spend time with family and studying towards my Bachelor of Viticulture Degree. I am quite social so I spend a lot of down time with friends. It's another reason to love the vineyard scene, meeting and talking to so many people from all over the world.

It sucks when....

You run outa gas on the other side of the vineyard, it's a long walk of shame.

Your favourite wine?

I have a major thing for Hawke's Bay Syrah at the moment. I cannot get enough of it and it's some of the best wine coming out of this country, full stop.

Which wine region excites you most right now?

I can't really single out a particular region. I think New Zealand as a whole is getting bigger and better every year as a serious contender of fine wine production globally, with signature wines from all our regions punching hard and making waves.

Future aspirations?

One day owning my own vineyard. It would become the place to raise my children and grandchildren. A slice of paradise for the future generations.

Four contestants took part in this year’s Bayer Young Viticulturist.
They are the subject of our Young Guns. 

Name: Matt Duggan

Age: 29

Occupation: Cloudy Bay, Assistant Viticulturist 

How long have you worked in Marlborough?

Since Dec 2009 (minus 6 months in the UK).

What brought you to Marlborough?

A combination of the thriving wine industry and family.

Where have you travelled in wine to get here?

While I haven't worked in any other region, I have travelled to all New Zealand wine regions, as well as some in Australia, France, Spain and the UK.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The fact that my philosophies and ambitions to grow the best possible fruit and produce the best possible wine, align perfectly with those of the company – we only have one tier, and it's the top tier.

What do you enjoy most about Marlborough?

The accessibility of the outdoor pursuits that I love; fishing, diving, hunting, pretty much all sports. And the climate is pretty good too (having grown up in Wellington, it's exceptional!). That's before even mentioning the local cuisine and of course wine (the local beer is pretty good too).

When you're not making wine or growing grapes?

As above... fishing, diving, hunting, pretty much all sports, socialising with friends and spending time with family.

It sucks when....

The Hurricanes get all the way to the final, look good, I mean really good to get a win this year – after 20 years of tormenting fans. Then through some miracle, you manage to get hold of the seemingly impossible, get FINALS tickets, pay through the roof for airfares to fly to Wellington, and theeeenn, they lose! (again).

Your favourite wine?

It's difficult to pick a favourite without being biased, so I am going to be: Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. I love how it provides me with a fantastic career, but also how it is just a cracking good wine! Nothing better than fresh Marlborough seafood paired with a chilled CB Sauvignon on a hot summer's day!

Which wine region excites you most right now?

I am genuinely excited about a sub-region in Marlborough; the Southern Valleys. Pinot Noir in this area is really starting to come into its own, as vine age develops. I think that Pinot will continue to go from strength to strength in this area, and I am excited to see it all unfold.

Future aspirations?

Continue growing exceptional fruit to make exceptional wines, and above all maintain health and happiness in all aspects of life.

Twitter @duggsonline

Four contestants took part in this year's Bayer Young Viticulturist.
They are the subject of our Young Guns.

Name: Caleb Dennis

Age: 27

Occupation: Group Technical Officer – Craggy Range Vineyards – Hawke's Bay

How long have you worked in Hawkes Bay?

Five years

What brought you to this region?

The offer of a job at Craggy Range

Where have you travelled in wine to get here?

I haven't done much wine specific travel yet, but I have travelled in Europe, North America and throughout Asia which has given me a great insight into the cultures and customs of these places and I have utilised that experience in my various roles. I am certainly planning to go back to explore many of the world's wine regions that are on offer though.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Being part of a team that uses the best possible information to assist us in making decisions that allow us to produce fantastic fruit and wine, I get immense satisfaction when I see that fruit I have been a part of crafting during the season harvested and turned into fantastic wines I can share with friends.

What do you enjoy most about Hawke's Bay?

I really enjoy the lifestyle that is on offer here, there are a number of outdoor activities on your doorstep, as well as many more within a short drive, and if you're in a more lazy mood there are plenty of great cafe's and restaurants to go and spend a lazy Sunday afternoon enjoying some of the great wines the region produces.

When you're not making wine or growing grapes?

Right now I'm usually to be found renovating my house, but when I need a break from that I can often be found either at a café enjoying the Hawke's Bay weather, or off in the outdoors.

It sucks when....

It rains on the weekend.

Your favourite wine?

Pretty hard to go past a Bordeaux Blend from the Gimblett Gravels.

Which wine region excites you most right now?

I'm really getting into the Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc from Martinborough.

Future aspirations?

Right now I'm focusing on growing my knowledge and skill base, ultimately I would see myself in a national viticulturist role, or leading a great wine company.

Instagram @CalebDennis87