“I'd worked in quite a range of roles spanning government, utilities, communications, and complaint management during 13 years overseas, before I moved back to NZ and found myself in Cromwell,” she says. While her husband had work sorted before the move back home, Carolyn wondered whether her previous work experience would translate to small town New Zealand. She was fortunate enough, however, to meet Allan Scott of the well-known Allan Scott Family Winemakers. “He took a chance on me and accepted my offer to open and run a cellar door for his Scott Base Vineyard in Cromwell.”
Carolyn hasn’t looked back since then, adding that this led to many fantastic years of learning every aspect of running a wine and hospitality/tourism business. “From resource consents and licensing to wine service and education, to marketing and sales.” This experience has benefited her greatly in her current role as General Manager of Central Otago Winegrowers Association (COWA). “Running a wine business has been hugely beneficial in being able to put myself in the shoes of our members, in order to represent them and look after their needs.”
“The women in this industry are genuine, passionate and intelligent. They can be practical, gritty and hardworking, yet they are equally at home hosting visitors and speaking poetically about the virtues of a particular vintage or style.”
Nine years on, after a brief foray into renewable energy with the NZ Hydrogen Council, she’s back in the industry she loves, “working with its exceptional people and products and promoting the unique beauty and character of Central Otago.”
On the topic of women in the wine industry, Carolyn has a lot to say. “The women in this industry are genuine, passionate and intelligent. They can be practical, gritty and hardworking, yet they are equally at home hosting visitors and speaking poetically about the virtues of a particular vintage or style.” When asked about the gender pay gap within the industry, Carolyn suspects it is due to a perception of limited opportunities for women. Her hope and prediction is that the gap will keep closing “the more we celebrate each other's successes and see more examples of women excelling in every type of role across the industry.”
How does she think more women could be encouraged to consider a career in the wine industry? “I think we can do more to help young women understand the breadth of roles and opportunities available within the industry,” she says. “Wine is unique in the way it spans skills from farming, science, marketing and sales, to tourism, hospitality and business management. Not only that, it will take you around the world too!”
“Wine is unique in the way it spans skills from farming, science, marketing and sales, to tourism, hospitality and business management. Not only that, it will take you around the world too!”
Speaking about Central Otago, Carolyn points out the region’s uniqueness – “the extreme landscape of mountains, lakes and rivers, and the remote, inland location make it special.” She adds though, that it's the way this region works together that really stands out. “It's the camaraderie and sense of community. I've never seen an industry collaborate so collegially with each other before – it's Central's superpower and it's incredible to see.”
Of the wine industry more broadly, she says it’s impossible to get bored. “Each bottle of wine is its own little time capsule of terroir, combined with the efforts and skill of our people from that moment in time. Even in the bottle, the story changes with the passage of time. I love that everything is constantly evolving.”
For anyone considering a career in the wine industry, Carolyn has a clear message. “Do it, you'll fall in love with the industry and won't look back. Put yourself out there to meet people and make connections, ask lots of questions, and listen and learn from others. There is a supportive network of passionate people only too happy to help.”
