Paul Robinson, Assistant Vineyard Manager, Villa Maria, Hawke’s Bay

Born, Bred, Schooled:

Grew up in Taranaki on the family dairy farm, attended New Plymouth Boys High School. Moved to Hawke’s Bay in 2005 and graduated with Bachelor of Viticulture in 2008.  

First wine industry job: 

I worked part time while studying for Maimai Creek Wines.

First real (full time) job (outside of school/uni holidays): 

After I finished studying I became a Viticulture Cadet for Villa Maria in Hawke’s Bay.

Career Highlight: 

Moving up the ranks at Villa Maria to Assistant Vineyard Manager.  

Cat? Dog? 

None, but working on getting a dog.

Desert island wine and food:  

Love pizza and pasta so a combo of those two, with a Syrah or Chardonnay from Hawke’s Bay.

Mentor/Influencer: 

Mal McLennan, Ollie Powrie and Jonathan Hamlet have all taught me a lot during my career so far.

Dinner table companions, dead or alive… 

Richie McCaw, Maynard James Keenan, Tiger Woods, Marc Ellis, Angus Young.

Greatest achievement… 

Winning rugby player of the club for Taradale in 2007 and a free trip to Australia along with it! Winning the Hawke’s Bay young viticulturist competition.

New Zealand wine industry needs…  

Continue striving to become more sustainable across all areas of the industry.

If you weren’t working in the wine industry, what would you be doing? 

Probably somewhere else in the Horticulture industry.

One thing about you people might be surprised to learn? 

I had never tasted wine until I began my viticulture degree.

If you had the day off tomorrow what would you like to do: 

Eat some pizza or pasta, taste some good beer or wine, anything to do with rugby or cricket.

Connections:             
LI:      Paul-Robinson
Web:    www.villamaria.co.nz          

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