Marlborough man wins NZ winemaker of the year

Marlborough’s Greg Lane was crowned New Zealand Young Winemaker of the Year 2018 at an event held in Auckland this week.

Mr Lane, who works as a brand winemaker for Grove Mill, fought off competition from three other winemakers to claim the title.

“It is a big thrill, to come out as the winner from amongst such a talented group was a big surprise.

“It is such a fantastic competition, and a real credit to the industry that it is willing to put time and effort into recognising the next generation of winemakers coming through,” Mr Lane said.

Now into its fourth year, the competition aims to promote the next generation of winemakers emerging in New Zealand.

The finale saw four winemakers, two each from both the North and South Islands battle it out at Villa Maria’s winery.

The finalists were put through their paces, having to complete a number of different tasks ranging from business analysis, wine blending, general knowledge, presentation skills, wine judging, through to marketing and laboratory skills.

“It was very tricky. The judges set a tough schedule, with modules that cover the whole range of tasks that you are required to undertake as a winemaker but crammed into seven intense hours.”

Mr Lane has also won a travel allowance, training grant sponsored by NZSVO, full registration to the 2019 Bragato Conference, a wine allowance and a fully funded trip to the Tonnellerie de Mercureycooperage in Burgundy.

“I am looking forward to using the study and travel grant to visit the wineries in France and bring back some ideas to apply to the wines here at Grove Mill.”

An opportunity to be a guest judge in an upcoming tasting for Cuisine Magazine is also on the cards.

Growing up in Adelaide, Lane says he has always been surrounded by wine.

“I grew up in a wine loving family, pruning in school holidays and raiding my grandpa’s cellar.”

The hands-on, creative and scientific nature of making wine saw Lane undertake a Bachelor of Oenology, graduating with first-class honours and as Dux of the Year.

Hitting the road after that, Lane worked at several overseas vintages but, in the end, couldn't keep away from the award-wining opportunities of Marlborough and now calls it home.

“I took off to do vintages around Australia, the USA, Italy, France as well as some time in New Zealand. I fell in love with New Zealand and the wine here, but a job opportunity took me home to South Australia where I spent four years as a winemaker at Shaw and Smith in the Adelaide Hills.

“The opportunity to return to NZ to work with Foley Family Wines was too good to pass up, so in 2017 I jumped the Tasman back to Marlborough to take up the winemaking role at Grove Mill winery”

In terms of the future, Lane is hopeful that the award will bring in some extra recognition to the Grove Mill brand.

Mr Lane believes it is key for young winemakers to try and get as many different experiences of the wine industry, and winemaking as early as possible.

The winemakers he mostly admires are those who can adapt and think outside the square to create great wines year on year.

“Winemakers need to have a kit-bag of ideas and tools that they can draw on when seasons change, and you are dealt a different hand,” he said.