My job: Big rewards in fruits of labour

Assistant winemaker Abbey Colgate enjoys the variety and excitement of her job. Photo / Supplied

Name: Abbey Colgate
Occupation: Assistant winemaker
Employer: at Sacred Hill, Hawke's Bay
Age: 26. (27 in December)
Working hours: 40-90 per week
Pay scale: A couple of bottles of wine a week - if you are lucky. $40,000-$90,000 depending on level of responsibility and experience
Qualifications: Bachelor of Oenology (Wine Science)

What do you do?

I work with a crew of 10, based in Hawke's Bay. My job ranges from planning and managing the day-to-day running of the cellar from behind a desk, being in the laboratory, to working in the cellar and vineyard - which is the part of my job I love the most.

I work with the vineyard administration right through to the marketing staff. I also work with the winemaking crew at both of our contract facilities (in Hawke's Bay and in Marlborough).

How does the job change through the seasons?

Some months are very much about planning and computer work, but other months are about being in the vineyard and helping supervise harvesting and pre-pick sampling.

During the harvest, from April to mid June, you will usually find me in the cellar in Hawke's Bay, working with the eclectic mix of national and international cellar crew who we employ to help.

We make varieties such as riesling and pinot gris that take a little more skill and care, right through to the practical winemaking of sauvignon blanc. I love making chardonnay and syrah - they are very successful in Hawke's Bay.

What is your background?

I left Hawke's Bay and completed my first year of a Bachelor of Science majoring in chemistry at Victoria in 2002, and then completed my Bachelor of Wine Science through the Eastern Institute of Hawke's Bay.

Between and after studying, I completed vintages in California, Australia, France, Hawke's Bay and in Marlborough.

In terms of furthering my education, I am 12 months off completing my Bachelor of Viticulture. I know that this degree (along with my Wine Science) will enhance my winemaking skills, as I'll have a further understanding of the process.

I embarked on this pathway as chemistry came naturally to me and the wine industry is an exciting way to use it.

How has the overseas experience influenced your work?

Working overseas has given me a broader view on winemaking. Each of the wineries I worked in had their individual ways of winemaking. Learning from Chapoutier, who arguably produces the best syrah in France, was a great experience that I now can look at doing here in Hawke's Bay.

Winemaking used to be male-dominated?

Women are starting to level the playing field in this industry.

Even when I first entered the wine industry, I never felt that gender was an issue, and it has definitely never dampened my passion and ambition to become a winemaker. Females are treated with the same, if not more respect.

In our wine tasting/blending sessions that we have at Sacred Hill, the winemaking team complement and work well together not because of gender, but because of our individual palates and experiences in the wine industry.

I imagine your job often involves more than an eight hour working day ...

At peak times, the shop floor is running 24 hours with both me and the crew putting in 12+ hours per day. The main thing that keeps me going is the people.

If I see the crew walk out after a 14 hour day still smiling, then that has been a good day.

Out of the peak season I still do some big days. I keep myself in good health by exercising and making time for the people and activities I love.

What are the main challenges?

Keeping up with the four winemakers and their plans.

The best part of your job?

I go to tastings, seminars and forums that I wouldn't normally be able to attend. I also get to taste some fantastic wines.

... Any negatives?

Telling my gym trainer that I can't give up my glass of wine at night.

Do you drink wine?

I enjoy a glass of wine or two after work. I enjoy sharing and tempting my friends and family for a glass, too. And I am trying to convince my partner's palate to enjoy the world of wine more than beer.

I am enjoying our Sacred Hill Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at the moment, especially since the days are longer, so sitting in my backyard with a glass of wine is a treat.

I had a Fromm Riesling the other night and that was a classic, crisp rich wine - enjoyable.

Away from the vineyard, what do you like doing?

I recently bought my first home, so the weekends are full of gardening and discussions of renovations or excavations.

I am also an avid netball player. My life, along with my partner's, is pretty full, but we always find time for our friends, food and good wine.

What do you want to be doing in five years?

Drinking my own wine.

Advice to those interested in a similar role?

Go for it, the rewards and experiences in this industry are fantastic.

This industry is all about working hard, having fun and enjoying the fruits of your labour.