- 10 March 2017
Name: Matt Stafford
Job: Chief Winemaker
Organisation: Craggy Range Winery
The Job:
To oversee all stages of the winemaking process and share the stories around the world of what makes our wines unique. Why I love being a Winemaker is that there is no typical working day. During vintage it is spent looking at weather maps, racing around vineyards and trying to make sense of many fermentations with the help of many passionate young winemakers from around the world. Outside of vintage it is spent tasting, dreaming and planning when I am not out travelling to showcase the wines around the world.
How did you get started?
First interest was sparked at a careers day; finding an occupation that encapsulated all of the sciences within an attractive industry.
Ideal qualifications?
Tertiary qualification in Viticulture and Oenology or Food Sciences/Technology.
Type of person?
A confident, energetic and sympathetic thinker.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It is a hobby as well as a job.
- Dynamic work environments.
- Social aspect of sharing the fruits of the labour.
- Overseas travel opportunities (it is hard to grow grapes in poor climates and the world’s great cities love NZ wines).
- Very open global networking industry.
- Seasonal aspect.
Cons:
- The little control one has over Mother Nature.
- Long hours during vintage time (late summer/autumn).
- Travel time away from friends and family.
Best & WORST Parts of the Job
Best - seeing people enjoy the wines you have made.
Worst - spring frosts, rain during harvest.
The Future
The NZ Wine story is strong and NZ Winemakers are in demand for their work ethic and inquisitive minds. The rapid growth of the NZ Wine industry in the 1980s-2000s has slowed so jobs are more competitive but the security around jobs and the industry as a whole has increased. The contrast of boutique artisans and technological industrialists will always be present in the world of wine but young graduates will become more technologically and scientifically aware.