Elise Williams, a 23-year-old student from Hawke’s Bay, has been named the recipient of this year’s Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange Scholarship. Williams, who is in her final year of a Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science at Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), will soon embark on an exciting journey to Italy, where she will immerse herself in the country’s rich winemaking culture.
Williams, who previously completed the EIT Level 3 Cellar Operations course in 2021, is no stranger to academic and industry recognition. Last year, she won the Richard Vuletich Memorial Trophy and earned a silver medal for her Chardonnay at the EIT Wine Show. Now, through the scholarship, she will be hosted by the University of Padua in Veneto, one of Europe’s oldest and most esteemed universities, with notable alumni like Galileo Galilei.
The exchange offers Williams the unique opportunity to explore Italy’s prestigious wineries, meet industry experts, and interact with past participants of the program. Before she embarks on this life-changing adventure, Wine-Searcher caught up with Williams to learn more about her journey into winemaking.
A Surprising Path to Winemaking
Williams, originally from Wellington, never set out to pursue a career in wine. After finishing high school, she found herself unsure of her next steps and signed up for a 12-week course in super yacht crewing. During the course, she was introduced to wine tasting, which sparked her interest in the industry. However, seasickness led her to reassess her career path, and post-COVID, she found herself struggling to find work in the competitive Wellington job market.
“It was a tricky time, and my mum told me, ‘If you’re going to stick around at home, you have to be doing something,’” Williams recalled. “That’s when I came across the EIT Cellar Operations course. I remembered how much I enjoyed the wine tasting, so I decided to give it a try.”
The Cellar Operations course proved to be a turning point, offering Williams an in-depth look at wine production, health and safety in the cellar, and the nuances of winemaking. Partnered with the winemaking company Indevin, she gained hands-on experience in a welcoming and supportive work environment, which cemented her passion for the industry.
A Dream Opportunity
When Williams first heard about the Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange Scholarship, she was captivated by the opportunity to travel and work in Italy, a country she had always dreamed of visiting. “I’ve never been out of the country except for a trip to Samoa when I was four, so this scholarship was a huge opportunity for me,” she said.
Winning the scholarship was a surreal experience for Williams, who admitted to celebrating the news with an impromptu dance around her kitchen. As she prepares for her journey, Williams is particularly excited about her stay in northern Italy, where she will explore the diverse winemaking traditions and climates.
Learning from Italy’s Rich Winemaking History
While Williams has had some exposure to Italian wines through events like the Urban Winery’s Italian wine showcase, she acknowledges there is much more to learn. “I’m excited to learn about Italy’s different grape varietals, especially the more unique wines,” she said. “I’m particularly drawn to the smooth reds and crisp, dry whites.”
Williams also plans to explore viticulture practices in Italy, comparing them with those in New Zealand. “New Zealand’s viticulture is fairly consistent across regions, but Italy has such diverse climates and terroirs. It’ll be interesting to learn about the different training systems and how they adapt to their environments,” she explained.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Williams’ journey to this point has not been without challenges. The disruption caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke’s Bay severely impacted her studies, forcing her to attend condensed classes and adjust to a rapidly changing environment. Living through the cyclone was a surreal experience, with widespread flooding and significant damage to local vineyards.
Reflecting on the event, Williams expressed concern about the future impacts of climate change on the industry. “As New Zealand faces warmer climates, the next 10 years will bring significant changes, and I’m eager to learn how other countries, like Italy, are adapting,” she said.
Williams also has her sights set on the future of New Zealand’s wine industry. “I would love to become a winemaker and eventually offer consultancy to support small, family-owned wineries,” she said. “With economic shifts affecting the industry, I want to help wineries stay sustainable and thrive.”
As she embarks on this incredible journey to Italy, Williams is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, from learning new winemaking techniques to exploring Italy’s renowned wine culture.
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