A Toast to Brock Campbell!

Just wanted to take this time to express my heartfelt congratulations to Brock Campbell on his recent distinction.

For those not in the know,

Brock Campbell, a 2nd year Diploma of Viticulture and Wine Production student has won the very first Gravitas Wine Industry Excellence Award.

The award is designed to recognise academic achievement and potential to excel in the field of viticulture and wine production and has been donated by Gravitas, a family owned winery in Marlborough.

Brock receives $2000 cash and a specially commissioned Gravitas trophy created by Chris Seufert, a Marlborough based Master Coppersmith. The trophy, which has a grape-growing and wine theme and the cheque, will be presented to him at NMIT’s graduation ceremony in Marlborough on Dec 13.

Upon learning of his victory, the ever-humble Brock proclaimed:

“I have to admit that I swore when I found out I’d won it, it was a real surprise! There are so many good people on the course I really didn’t think I’d have a chance.”

Notes programme leader Sue Blackmore:

“He has worked extremely hard throughout the course, gaining top marks. He also has a strong practical bent and has been working in the industry part time, to put him self through the course. That combination plus his love of wine have enabled him to succeed,” she says.

Adds Martyn Nicholls:

“Brock is an example of the kind of person we want to foster in the industry. As a boutique winery we recognise every person’s skills and attributes and he has the dedication to make a great career. We’re happy to be supporting people of this calibre to make a real go of it,” says Mr Nicholls.

So what are Brock's plans?

Once he completes his diploma after another semester, Brock intends to return to Canada for one vintage and then settle back in the South Island. His long-term ambition is to own his own vineyard.

Wine's on you, mate!