Persistence Pays Off

The 27-year-old assistant vineyard manager for Villa Maria in Hawke’s Bay is no stranger to the national competition. This year was his fourth time competing – but as the heading says, his persistence paid off. Against stiff competition from four other competitors Robinson was finally able to hold the trophy aloft, and walk away with a bevy of prizes.

Born in Taranaki, his early years were spent on dairy farms, many miles away from any substantial wine region. With horticulture his favourite subject at high school, he was always motivated towards that field.

“I knew I wanted to do something along those lines. By the 7th form I was thinking about whether to study or just go and work. I looked at a few different options, and the degree at EIT in Hawke’s Bay was one of them.”

The bonus of studying in the beautiful Bay was one of the deciding factors Robinson said, although he admits that he wasn’t completely sure that he had what it took to be a viticulturist.

“I thought I would give it the first year and see how it goes,” he said. “But fortunately I got a job with Mal McLennan (Mai Mai Creek Wines) during the weekends and when I wasn’t studying. I think  that was when I decided it was the right move. There was a lot of theory in that first year of the degree, so it was nice to be able to put it into practice.”

During the third year of the Bachelor in Viticulture degree, Robinson applied for and got a viticulture cadetship with Villa Maria. He hasn’t looked back since.

“It was an awesome move and I was fortunate to move into some different roles and work my way up. After a few years I decided I wanted to get more hands on experience in the running of vineyards, so I went to work at our Omahu Gravels vineyard under Phil Holden. I was there for two seasons and it was nice to learn more hands on running of the vineyard.”

In 2012 he undertook an exchange to Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in America for a few months.

“It was our winter and their harvest, but it wasn’t like I did a vintage there, instead I spent the time in the vineyards, doing the harvest.”

When he returned to New Zealand he took on the role of vineyard foreman for the Joseph Soler vineyard, Villa’s organic property bordering Gimblet Gravels.

With the company planning further expansion in the Hawke’s Bay, Robinson says there are exciting times ahead. 

“With all this development going on, there is a lot happening and a lot of different stuff. And the company is keen to expand with organics as well, which is something I am pretty keen on.”

A tiger for punishment is how some people would view Robinson’s decision to take part in the national competition for four years. While the prizes are substantial, (including $5000 travel from NZSVO, $2000 spending, and a 12 month lease on a brand new Santa Fe), he says it was more about the competition this year.

“I have come second and third before, and for the last few times it has been so close. Just a few questions answered correctly could have seen me do better, and I think it was really close again this year, so it’s nice to be on the right side of it this time.

“And the fact that Matt (Fox) won it last year, he’s my best mate, it has been nice to even things up.”

Robinson will go on to represent the wine industry at the upcoming New Zealand Horticultural awards, which will take place in November.

In second place at the competition was first time entrant Mike Winter from Amisfield Wines in Central Otago.

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