Swimming - not sinking in wine

 
Yealands Estate wines are some of the most awarded within the industry, but for creator, Tamra Washington, the journey is only just beginning.

Marlborough winery Yealands Estate has amassed over 500 hundred awards since its inception in 2008.  Among the accolades for innovation and sustainability, is an increasing recognition of the quality of wine being produced by a team led by winemaker Tamra Washington.  In five short years, the winery has built a reputation as one of the best producers of Sauvignon Blanc in the world, with the medals and trophies to prove it.
 
Growing up in New Zealand’s largest wine region it’s perhaps not surprising that Tamra Washington decided to be a winemaker.  With a fascination for science and a desire to see the world, winemaking was an obvious choice.  Tamra’s determination to succeed was obvious from a young age.  After graduating top of her class, with a degree in Viticulture and Oenology, she returned to her hometown to begin a career as a winemaker.  But it didn’t take long before adventure was beckoning, and when Tamra left Marlborough, she thought she was gone for good.
 
“To be honest, when I left Marlborough I never thought I would come back.  I began working and living in Italy, and I was so in love with the place.  New Zealand was far from my mind for a long time,” admits Tamra.  With a dream job overseeing wineries in Sicily, Puglia, and Tunisia it seemed there was little that could lure her back home.  Until one day an encounter with New Zealand entrepreneur Peter Yealands changed everything.
 
“While working in Italy I had been following the success of the New Zealand industry in overseas markets, and in particular Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.  I was introduced to Peter by a consultant working for him at the time.  He offered me the chance to come and work with him.  The opportunity to be able to work for a wine company from inception and have complete control over the development of the wines had a huge pull for me.  It really was a unique offer I couldn’t turn down.”
 
By age 35, Tamra was in charge of one of the largest privately owned wineries in New Zealand, tasked with producing wines for more than 50 international markets.  “I threw myself in head-first and tried my best to swim and not sink,” says Tamra, who credits an open mind and just getting stuck in as key to her success.
 
Founder, Peter Yealands, is determined that Yealands Estate will eventually become the world’s leading sustainable winery.  He has given Tamra the remit and the freedom to achieve that.  It’s a daunting task, but she relishes the responsibility.  “I have never known anyone in my life like Peter, personally or professionally.  He is such an inspirational boss.  Having the opportunity to witness and be a part of the growth of the business, working alongside Peter and the rest of our team has been huge for me,” says Tamra.
 
What’s next for Tamra Washington?  Well, she says the journey is only just beginning.  “I love this job.  Personally, I feel I still have so much to do to develop and evolve the family of Yealands Estate wines.  I’ve made wine all over the world, but what we have here in Marlborough is really very special.  The combination of our unique soils, cool nights and warm days, allow us to make wines with an aromatic intensity, unmatched anywhere in the world.”
 
As Tamra sees it, the key to succeeding in the wine industry or business in general is to make the most of every opportunity.  Her advice for an aspiring winemaker is simple – just do it.
 
 
Tamra’s tips for success:
 
·         Grab every opportunity that comes your way by the horns!
 
·         Don’t sweat the small stuff.
 
·         Get the best team of people you can around you – it is integral to success and your sanity.
 
·         Give your team enough rope to do their job – being able to delegate is very important.
 
·         Enjoy it!  You should love what you do.
 
 
 
For those of you keen to explore some new wines, Tamra has shared a few of her favourites.  Keep an eye out for them in your local supermarket or bottle store.
 
 
 
1.       Peter Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013
This is a new addition to the Yealands Estate portfolio.  The Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is wonderfully aromatic with a lovely balance and purity of flavours.  You should be able to find this on supermarket shelves for $24.99, or online at the Yealands Estate Cellar Door.
 
2.       Crossroads Milestone Chardonnay 2012
This fantastic Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay really delivers great value for the price.  Delicious with pork or seafood.  You can pick up a bottle for $21.99 from your local supermarket, or visit the website to purchase. 
 
3.       Hans Herzog Montepulciano 2009
You wouldn’t expect this full-bodied red wine to be produced in Marlborough.  Perfect for a special occasion, this wine is concentrated and rich.  You can purchase online for $64.00 a bottle.