Celebrated winemaker Steve Gill has always been clear on the career path he wanted to take.
After gaining an honours degree in neuroscience from Otago University, he headed to Lincoln to pursue a Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology.
“I liked the idea of working in the wine industry from the beginning, as the combination of creativity and science involved in winemaking was very attractive,” he says.
“Lincoln had and still has the best reputation in New Zealand for qualifications in viticulture and winemaking. I enjoyed everything about my time at Lincoln – the teachers, the campus and the course.”
Steve’s first job as a graduate was at Dry River Wines in Martinborough, where he made his first tipple – the Dry River 2001 Pinot Noir, which was listed in 1001 Wines of the World You Must Try Before You Die, published in 2008.
He then moved on to Greenhough Vineyards and has since spent 12 years producing many an award-winning wine for the Te Mānia and Richmond Plains labels.
Now specialising in organic winemaking, he says there’s been a huge shift to organic production in the last decade and the best quality wines in the country are organic.
“The rewards of this career have been very satisfying,” he says.
“Winemaking is a strange beast, as every winemaker has a unique philosophy and method in the way they make the wine.
“The Lincoln course was great in that it prepared us with a solid understanding of the basics and the fundamental science behind making wine and growing grapes. It has been a great foundation to start with and build upon.”
Asked about the most rewarding aspect of his career, Steve says there is much to know about wine, “but at the end of the day, it is a drink that can bring great joy and pleasure”.
“It’s rewarding to know that wine I have made has brought joy to people in this crazy thing we call life.”
* Domestic students can study the Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology for free until the end of 2022. Terms and conditions apply. For more information about Lincoln University’s fee waivers, see the Free Study Options webpage.