Elise Williams, a 23-year-old student at Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), has been awarded the highly regarded Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange Scholarship, a prestigious opportunity that will take her from the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay to the heart of Italy.
In her final year of the Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science, Williams was selected for the scholarship following a rigorous application and interview process. “It’s hard to put into words exactly what this means to me,” she said. “This will be my first time traveling overseas, so the chance to experience a new culture while immersing myself in the world of wine is truly incredible. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go to Italy.”
Williams’ journey into the world of wine began in an unexpected way. Her initial interest was sparked during a wine tasting at a superyacht crewing course in Nelson, though she quickly realized that boating wasn’t her calling due to seasickness. “That tasting stuck with me, and when I moved to Hawke’s Bay, I saw a chance to explore the wine industry,” she explained.
Originally from Wellington, Williams moved to Hawke’s Bay with her mother after the Covid-19 pandemic, having always considered the region her second home due to her grandmother’s residence there. In 2021, she completed the New Zealand Certificate in Cellar Operations at EIT, laying the foundation for her growing passion for wine. Her pursuit of further studies at EIT led her to discover a deep connection with the winemaking process.
“I kind of fell into this industry, but once I started working my first harvest, I knew this was what I wanted to do,” she said. “The work is always changing, and you’re constantly solving problems. It’s so rewarding.”
Over the years, Williams has gained significant hands-on experience in the industry, including working vintages at local wineries and obtaining her forklift license. “Getting my forklift license was really useful,” she said, noting that she was fortunate to receive extensive training from a winery that offered opportunities to students.
Her efforts extended beyond the winery in 2023 when Cyclone Gabrielle devastated the region. While winery operations were halted, Williams volunteered at the local showgrounds, using her forklift skills to help move pallets of supplies for those in need. “It was incredible to see the community come together,” she said of the experience.
Williams’ academic and winemaking achievements have also been impressive. In 2023, she received the Richard Vuletich Memorial Trophy and a silver medal for her Chardonnay at the EIT Wine Show, a moment she described as “really special” and reinforcing her commitment to winemaking.
As part of the Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange, Williams will travel to Italy, where she will be hosted by Padua University and welcomed by Italian wine families that have previously participated in the program. The exchange will allow her to gain insight into Italy’s renowned wine industry, meet influential figures in the field, and explore some of the country’s most prestigious wineries.
“I’m excited to meet people who are passionate about wine and see how things are done in another part of the world,” she said. “I want to learn as much as I can and bring that knowledge back with me.”
Upon her return to New Zealand in August, Williams will host an Italian scholar in Hawke’s Bay before traveling to Christchurch, where they will attend New Zealand Winegrower events together.
Looking ahead, Williams is focused on a future in winemaking, with aspirations of progressing from a vintage experience to an assistant winemaker and ultimately a head winemaker. “The wine industry is dynamic; no two days are the same,” she said. “I love the problem-solving and hands-on aspects of it.”
Reflecting on her journey, Williams expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities she has received. “I’m so thankful to those who organized this exchange and to EIT for giving me a strong foundation. This is something I’ve wanted for a long time, and now it’s actually happening—it still feels a little unreal!”
Sue Blackmore, Head of the School of Viticulture and Wine Science at EIT, praised the significance of the exchange. “This exchange provides invaluable opportunities for EIT graduates to form lasting connections while being hosted by the University of Padua and former exchange scholars across Italy. We are extremely grateful to our long-term sponsors, particularly Wine-Searcher, for ensuring the continued success of this program in memory of its founder, Kevyn Moore.”
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