Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
1 day ago
After struggling to break into viticulture, Dylan Martin enrolled at EIT to get his foot in the door and is now set to begin work at a winery in Australia’s Yarra Valley.
The 29-year-old from Whanganui began the New Zealand Certificate in Viticulture (Level 4) at EIT last year, with a clear goal in mind.
“I just wanted to do one year, get a foot in the door into viticulture, and then look to work overseas.”
Dylan Martin, who completed the NZ Certificate in Viticulture (Level 4) at EIT, is heading to Australia’s Yarra Valley to work at Mac Forbes Winery.
Before enrolling at EIT, Dylan had studied agriculture at Massey University and worked in a range of roles, including tractor driving and biological soils consulting, but found it difficult to break into the viticulture industry.
His passion for soil science runs in the family. His father runs a biological fertiliser business, and that early exposure to organic and regenerative approaches to farming shaped the direction Dylan wanted to take.
Over time, viticulture offered a way to apply that interest in a more precise, quality-focused environment.
“In viticulture, they’re growing for quality, not just quantity. You’re really fine-tuning the soil.”
Dylan says the smaller class environment at EIT made a significant difference to his learning.
“When I began, we only had a really small in-class group, so it was easy to ask questions and get that one-on-one support.”
While studying, Dylan secured a seasonal role as a vineyard operator at Craggy Range, gaining hands-on experience during his first full season in the industry.
He says the role had been challenging at times but had accelerated his learning.
“I’ve learned a lot through the process.”
Dylan believes his study at EIT, and Viticulture and Wine Science Lecturer Tim Creagh, played a key role in helping him secure work.
“With the help of EIT, I got in almost instantly. Having Tim as a reference definitely helped me get my foot in the door.”
Among the highlights of his time at EIT were the people he studied alongside and the opportunity to volunteer at the New World Wine Awards.
“That was quite cool. I think the people have been a big highlight too.”
Dylan is currently completing his final paper while preparing to relocate to Australia next month, where he will take up a role with Mac Forbes Winery in the Yarra Valley.
He said the move will expose him to a different style of viticulture, with more hands-on vineyard work and new growing conditions.
“There’s going to be a lot that’s different, and that’s what I’m excited for.”
For others considering a similar path, Dylan says EIT is an “absolute must”.
Programme Tutor Tim Creagh says: “Dylan’s journey shows how EIT’s viticulture programmes open real pathways into the industry”.
“EIT has been proudly delivering wine and viticulture programmes longer than any other provider in New Zealand, with graduates building successful careers throughout the country and around the world. If you’re looking to get a head start in the viticulture industry, there’s no better place to begin than EIT.”
