Winemaker
Family owned by a hands-on father and son winemaking team, Mills Reef Winery has enjoyed a steady stream of accolades and gold medal wines that have flowed forth since their first vintage in 1989. So highly regarded, they have been a two-time recipient of the prestigious ‘New Zealand Winemaker of the Year’ title and winner of over 500 medals and 15 trophies in national and international competitions.
Brenda Marris, who is currently the Laboratory Manager at Mills Reef, arrived on our shores over 30 years ago. Originally from Lancashire in the UK, she has had a varied career in the corporate world, the highlight being her time spent in strategic planning during the health reforms. In 2000, she came to a career-crossroads, which led her to go from full-time employment to full-time study. With the support of her husband, she completed her studies in winemaking at university, in Perth, Australia. Since November 2004, after a move from Auckland to Papamoa, she has spent four vintages with Mills Reef.
Paul Dawick, born and raised in Napier, is Mills Reef’s resident ‘Stirrer and Shaker.’ His introduction to the wine scene was his first vintage in 1988 when Cyclone Bola hit Gisborne and Hawkes Bay! After an OE, and a stint at Massey University, the lure of the sun, sand and surf of the Bay of Plenty meant a move away from the Hawkes Bay. Paul has been with Mills Reef for almost 14 years. He became winemaker in 2006, after completing a six-year degree in Wine Science by correspondence from Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia.
Spend the day in the beautiful surrounds of Mills Reef Winery while you learn how to create and maintain a legacy of award winning vintages.
The Experience includes
Your incredible experience includes:
- Lunch in Mills Reef Restaurant with Brenda and Paul
- Overview of industry
- Discussion about Personal/Educational requirements
- Tour of the winery, laboratory and bottling facility
- Full tasting of wines
- Cleaning, filling and emptying barrels
- Collecting and analysing samples
- A complimentary bottle of wine
You will come away with
An understanding of the commitment, patience, passion and hard work it takes to become an established and award winning winemaker!
You will also be given a worksheet to help you to develop an action plan that will set you on your new career path.
If you choose to take the Strong Interest Inventory®, you will receive a detailed report outlining your ideal career choices, plus up to one hour counselling over two telephone sessions with a Career Coach.
If this sounds good to you, why not book your incredible experience now!
