Greystone Wines Harvest Intern: Luke Griffiths Inspiring Story
If you’ve ever dreamed of working a vintage harvest in New Zealand, the Greystone Wines harvest internship offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from world-class winemakers in a stunning Waipara Valley setting. Meet Luke Griffiths, an adventurous soul who swapped film editing in the UK for wine making in the Southern Hemisphere. His journey into the world of winemaking showcases not only the magic of career reinvention, but also the global reach and tight-knit community that defines a harvest season in New Zealand’s premier vineyards.
Q&A with Greystone Wines Harvest Intern – Luke Griffiths
Q: Where are you originally from, and where do you live now?
A: So, I was originally from/born in a place called Bury St Edmunds. I would say it’s not a very known place in England it is close to Cambridge known famously for its university. Stay around there until I started secondary school and moved to Essex and left at the age of 26. I decided to make a big decision and leave my life behind me and move to the seaside down of Portsmouth which I am still currently located.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in the wine industry, and how long have you been working in this field?
A: To be completed honest I kind of just fell into the wine industry. When I joined Hambledon Vineyard I just moved and was finding my feet. I’ve been with Hambledon since October harvest 2021 and I have been intrigued with wine ever since. I would say I am newbie to the industry but willing to learn and not shy at getting my hands dirty in the process.
Q: What’s your line of work back home?
A: I used to work in post-production for about 3 yrs and moved into the winery roughly about 1yr ago. Last harvest was my first working in the winery during harvest which was a difference experience but my favourite harvest to date despite the poor yield. Which is the name of the game I guess always a risk in this industry relying on good weather especially in England. In previous harvest I was mainly on forklift duty, weighing grapes and in charge of the loading team.
Q: How did you first learn about Greystone Wines?
A: I first learned about Greystone from a good friend of mine Samuel Picton who worked a harvest in 2023 I believe. He had nothing but great things to say and passed me on Dom’s contact details. Emma Loyd who works for Greystone joined Hambledon last year for harvest and we got on very well so will be nice to see a friendly face.
Q: What excites you the most about this upcoming vintage?
A: I would say I am excited about learning. Taking me out my comfort zone is exciting as well. I do feel a bit nervous to be truthful being away from home and working in a different country is new for me but from what I’ve been told about Greystone being such a great atmosphere I’m sure to settle in easily.
Q: Have you visited New Zealand before, or have you explored other winemaking regions?
A: I haven’t visited New Zealand before but have only heard amazing things.
Q: What do you enjoy most about vintage?
A: Vintage is my favourite time of year. The long hours don’t feel long when surrounded by the right people. I believe every year you get closer to someone you wouldn’t expect which is beautiful. To me it’s also been a great atmosphere. Getting hands on as well is fun as well. Great opportunity to pick up new ways of doing tasks and taking advise from other people who can share their experience of other harvests all over the world.
Q: Was wine a part of your family life growing up? Did your parents drink it or let you try a sip?
A: I grew up in a very Football/Soccer orientated atmosphere, so it was mainly beers and cider watch the match on the weekend. So, the answer is not really but getting in the wine industry is culture shock but glad to be init. The odd beer can’t go amiss though every now and then.
Q: If you could choose one last wine to enjoy, what would it be (death row wine)?
A: I really like a Reisling. I know someone who works in the Mosel and it always puts a smile on my face.
Q: What future aspirations do you have – in or out of the wine world?
A: Far as future aspirations go, I would say I’m quite open minded which is good, I guess. In the past year or so I’ve contemplated if I would like to stay here in England. I’ve joked with Emma a fair bit about seeing if I could stay in NZ. As I’ve heard so many wonderful things about the people, culture, work life balance and the beauty of the country. I think this harvest could sway me if I wanted in the future to give moving a go. For now, just want to learn, be grateful for every experience, have fun and drink great wine of course.
