15 March 2004 Lincoln's Viticulture and Wine Science Graduates Show Their Winning Ways

Wines produced by winemakers holding Lincoln University postgraduate qualifications in viticulture and oenology were the toast of the country at the 2003 national wine awards.

The country's top wine, winner of the Air New Zealand Champion Wine of the Show Trophy, was an Akarua Pinot Noir 2002 produced by winemaker Carol Bunn. This also won the show's Champion Pinot Noir Trophy.

The Reserve Wine of the Show Trophy went to a Vidal Estate Soler Syrah 2002, the work of Rod McDonald, and the trophy for the top commercial red wine went to a Spy Valley Pinot Noir 2002 made by winemaker Ant McKenzie.

The trophy for the champion commercial white wine was won by a Highfield Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2003 produced by winemaker Alistair Soper.

The success of Lincoln graduates now working in the wine industry is tremendously exciting, says Senior Lecturer in Viticulture Dr Glen Creasy.

"The growth of the University's viticulture and wine science courses has paralleled the growth of the New Zealand wine industry and we feel a sense of satisfaction that our students can go on to employment in such a vibrant industry.

"Lincoln's postgraduate diploma pathway to viticulture and oenology employment has been going since 1989 and the Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology since 1998, so we're now seeing a real representation of Lincoln educated personnel in the industry," says Dr Creasy.

"Whether they come in as postgraduates or to do the Bachelor's degree, they emerge with an entry qualification well regarded by employers and winning winemakers such as Carol Bunn, Rod McDonald, Ant McKenzie and Alistair Soper can be seen as role models."

Another top winemaker with Lincoln University qualifications who featured in the latest national awards is Alastair Maling, Group Winemaker with Villa Maria Estate. Villa Maria won the trophy for champion chardonnay.

Alastair completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Agricultural) degree at Lincoln then went on to do the Postgraduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology

"Both of my Lincoln qualifications have contributed together in helping me to get where I am today," he says.

"The commerce degree helped me understand the business side of the primary sector and the postgraduate diploma gave me an understanding of the principles of winemaking and viticulture."

Originally from Waipukurau, in central Hawkes Bay, and a past pupil of Rathkeale College, Masterton, Alastair is based in Auckland these days and as Group Winemaker he oversees winemakers at company wineries in Auckland, Hawkes Bay and Marlborough. He also liaises with Villa Maria's export markets and acts as a pivot for growers, marketing, sales and production personnel.

Alastair has taken his formal wine studies to the highest level and holds the prestigious, internationally coveted, Master of Wine qualification, one of only a handful of New Zealanders to have achieved this distinction.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand