How does a group of hardworking women mark the end of each physically-demanding harvest? With loads of positivity, and yet another challenge, of course!
Carrick winemaker Rosie Menzies shared a story with Wine Please! of how the New Zealand winery's incredible all-female harvest team headed out from the vineyard and into the wilderness to celebrate the (literal) fruits of their labour.
"For those of us working in the winery, the post-harvest tradition is to go on a back-country adventure – it’s a chance to unwind, share stories and of course wine. Last year we hiked up Rocky Mountain near Wanaka; the year prior was an overnight mission to Mt Aspiring Hut.
The 2022 vintage was my first harvest with an all-female crew, and honestly was one of the best harvests I’ve had! Great energy, great chat and so much support and cohesiveness in the team. The wines, I’m sure, will benefit from this positivity.
For the end of harvest adventure this year, we packed our bags and headed out to Bullendale Hut, a 4-hour hike, involving multiple river crossings, winding hillside tracks and epic Lord of the Rings-esque views. It was a wonderful journey and time away together, but we sure were excited for the beer waiting at the end of the trail!"