Young Guns - Charlotte Krajewski

How Long Have You Worked In Hawke’s Bay?

 3 years 

What Brought You There?

 It was a mistake. I had a full time job lined up in Margaret River when at the last moment the visa fell through. By this time it was January. I had worked in Marlborough the previous year and loved New Zealand so thought it was worth trying to come back but to a different region. Luckily I got a harvest position in Hawke’s Bay just in time for the start of the 2012 vintage and haven’t looked back since. 

Where Have You Travelled In Wine To Get Here?

 I took a year out straight after finishing high school and got a job in France working in the vineyards for the season. I then travelled to South Africa where I did my first full harvest. Once the year was up I returned to England to study and completed my BSc Viticulture and Oenology (Hons). During my degree I took a part time job with Majestic, the UK’s largest specialist wine store. After graduating I travelled from Northern to Southern Hemispheres working harvests in different wine regions, these included; France (Bordeaux- two in the Entre-De-Mers and another in St Emillion), Australia (Hunter Valley), England (Dorset), New Zealand (Marlborough) and America (WA, Walla Walla). 

What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Job? 

The learning. Even the most skilled winemakers who have been in the industry for years will still be learning. Every single decision made during the winemaking process will ultimately affect the outcome. We are working with a living substance that is constantly changing, and it’s our job to help it progress in a positive way. The ultimate partnership between science and art, and it is fascinating! 

What Do You Enjoy Most About Hawke’s Bay?

Everything, the people, the wine, the culture, the food. The Hawke’s Bay is easy to fall in love with and very difficult to leave. 

When You’re Not Making Wine Or Growing Grapes? 

I have a great group of friends here from all over the world, so a lot of time is spent eating good food and drinking great wine. Apart from that I’m a pretty active person, I love going for walks and exploring within the Bay as well as other regions. 

It Sucks When….  

So much young talent leaves the Hawke’s Bay because they can’t get the jobs they deserve. Although the region continues to produce world-class wines, we are still behind a lot of other thriving wine industries in terms of innovation and trends. I truly believe the lack of young and gifted winemakers is a key factor behind that. 

Your favourite wine?

Depends completely on the circumstance. I was brought up drinking mainly Bordeaux so will always have a fondness towards the region. I love to try new wines, different regions, styles and tends. There are far too many that I haven’t tried yet to be able to tell you my favourite.  

Which Wine Region Excites You Most Right Now? 

Hawke’s Bay, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t. There is so much potential here. For such a new industry it is incredible how fast it has grown and the quality coming from it. 

Future Aspirations ?

Short term, if I could find a position within the Hawke’s Bay that keeps me challenged, motivated and learning I would jump at the chance to stay here. If not I will most likely move on, probably back to Europe, France. 

Long term, I’ve got big plans, just not quite sure yet where in the world I want to start carrying them out… ν