Caleb Dennis, Landbasenzwine, formerly Group Technical Officer, Craggy Range Vineyards, Hawke's Bay

Born, Bred, Schooled:

Wellington, Wellington, Wellington/Christchurch (for uni).

First wine industry job – year

2008, Summer vineyard work Craggy Range Hawke's Bay.

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

Sailing Instructor in Wellington in 2005.

Career Highlight:

Being appointed to my current role, and completing  a successful harvest on the first vineyard I was sole manager on.

Cat? Dog?

Dog, My 3 year old Springer Spaniel Monte.

Desert island wine and food:

A nice full Syrah and BBQ ribs.

Mentor/Influencer:

Simon Radburnd for getting me into the industry, and Steve Smith.

Dinner table companions, dead or alive…

Louis Theroux, Sir Peter Blake, Steve Jobs.

Greatest achievement…

Getting 2nd in the recent HB Young Vit competition, but also the many smaller achievements that have got me to where I am today.

New Zealand wine industry needs…

To focus on quality across all levels of wine production and protect the unique environment that we produce in. 

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

Either a ski Patroller or a Sailing Instructor.

One thing about you people might be surprised to learn?

In my spare time I’m a Volunteer Fireman!

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

Go skiing, or go out for a long lunch with good friends.

Connections:       

LI:        Caleb-Dennis