On-site winemaker at Wineworks’ in Auckland, Renée Dale found her Romeo Bragato Exchange win reinvigorated her passion for Bachelor of Wine Science studies at EIT.

In 2006, her final degree year, Renee created a research poster which was displayed at the Romeo Bragato Conference staged at Napier’s Pettigrew Green Arena.

Earlier that year, the Aucklander’s month-long exchange trip to wine regions in Italy also gave her a taste for travel – she went on to work in wine regions throughout the world, including Hawke’s Bay, Waiheke, the Napa Valley and Australia’s Yarra Valley.

Renee has shaped an interesting career since graduating in 2007.  The Winery Doors poster series produced by the EIT valedictorian features photographs she has taken of cellar doors nationwide.

In 2010, Renee created a blend for a client which is now served at the White House.  In 2013, she was contracted to produce premium wine for export to the UK under M-Wines.  Several years ago, she established her own brand, Moi Wines.

Renee says her inner traveller is tamed “for now” as she puts her skills to good use at Wineworks.

“Working with grapes, the yeast, the wine, is where I feel at home, no matter where I am in the world.”