Air New Zealand today announced Matthew Stafford as the recipient of the first Air New Zealand Inspiring New Zealanders in Wine scholarship.
The scholarship will see, amongst other opportunities, Mr Stafford travel to the Northern Hemisphere to spend a vintage at a French winery.
As part of his scholarship, Mr Stafford will receive mentoring and guidance from highly respected Marlborough winemaker and Air New Zealand wine consultant John Belsham, and will spend time with other leading New Zealand winemakers.
He will also be a guest associate judge with Mr Belsham at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
Mr Stafford, who initially studied Soil Science before completing his Post Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology, is looking forward to the opportunity to pick the brains of these influential wine industry leaders.
"The Air New Zealand Inspiring New Zealanders in Wine scholarship puts me in the fortunate position of being able to learn from some of the most talented people in the industry. I can't wait to discuss ideas, lessons learnt, technologies, techniques and philosophies," he says.
Twenty applications for the scholarship were received from young winemakers around the country, and were reviewed by a panel consisting of Mr Belsham of Foxes Island, Steve Smith MW of Craggy Range, George Fistonich of Villa Maria, Kate Radburnd of CJ Pask, Michael Brajkovich MW of Kumeu River Estate and an Air New Zealand representative. Six applicants were short-listed and were then interviewed by the panel before Mr Stafford was chosen as the successful applicant.
Mentor John Belsham says Mr Stafford stood out with his thoughtful insights and obvious passion for the New Zealand wine industry and its potential.
"Matthew has a mature and fresh approach to making wine. He believes that vineyard site and soil are the most important factors in creating quality wine, and aims for a product which captures in the bottle the essence of where it was created," says Mr Belsham.
"I'm looking forward to spending time with Matthew, sharing information and providing support as he begins to carve his niche in the New Zealand wine industry."
Inspiring New Zealanders in Wine, which is endorsed by New Zealand Winegrowers, is a firm example of Air New Zealand's support of the burgeoning wine industry.
"Air New Zealand is delighted with the way in which Inspiring New Zealanders in Wine has been received – we had fantastic, high quality entries, we have the support and involvement of industry leaders and we have a talented and motivated recipient," says Air New Zealand Community Partnership Manager Sam Coxhead.
"It's very satisfying to support the wine industry when the initiative is so appreciated. We look forward to working with John Belsham and Matthew in the year ahead and doing all we can to ensure that Matthew finds the programme beneficial," says Mr Coxhead.
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Editor's notes:
About the Air New Zealand Inspiring New Zealanders scholarship programme
Inspiring New Zealanders is the title of a scholarship programme that involves "inspiring" New Zealanders, who have achieved the highest level of achievement in their field, providing inspiration and guidance to the next generation of talented New Zealanders.
The first scholarships focused on Olympic Sport and were made available in September 2005 to young athletes, and included mentors Hamish Carter, Bevan Docherty, Sarah Ulmer and Claudia Riegler. This year Barbara Kendall has joined the mentor list in the Olympic Sport Scholarships. Recently the Inspiring New Zealanders Scholarship in Fashion was awarded to Kawakawa's Sara Smeath.
About John Belsham
John Belsham, wine maker, industry consultant, judge and enthusiast is the perfect mentor for any aspiring winemaker. Beginning his career at the age of 19 with five vintages in France as an apprentice winemaker, John learned the essential principals of patience, quality, hygiene and attention to detail. Returning to New Zealand, John began at Nobilo Vintners, progressing to Sole Charge winemaker at Matua Valley Wines, then Hunters Wines and most recently having set up his own winery, Foxes Island, producing Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc Riesling and Pinot Noir in Marlborough.
John also holds consultancy roles for several wineries around New Zealand.
He judges extensively within New Zealand and Australian wine competitions. He held the position of Chairman of Judges of the Air New Zealand Wine Awards from 1999-2003. He is also a wine consultant for Air New Zealand. John's passion and energy for the industry he loves is infectious.
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