Welcome to the second of our 2026 Vintage Interns, Nicky Day. She has called Aotearoa home now for 8 years, having come from the UK.
What inspired you to work in wine?
I've always enjoyed drinking it and the fact that a bottle of wine is an excuse to get together with family and friends - it took me a while to realise it was a field you could actually work in! The chance to work in different countries and meet so many great people within the industry is a bonus.
Is there something that drew you to working a vintage with Rockburn?
Trying the Rockburn Pinot Gris for the first time at the Cellar Door a few years ago. Generally Pinot Gris is not my go-too, so after finding one I enjoyed so much I knew if there was ever the chance, I wanted to learn from Malcolm.
Aside from Pinot Noir, what wines in Central Otago are you particularly excited by right now?
I definitely have a small obsession with Riesling so the amount of beautiful dry Rieslings you can find in Central definitely excites me.
Outside of New Zealand, what wine region do you admire most and why?
I haven't yet had the chance to explore nearly as much as I would like, however I spent some time in Magaret River in Australia which holds fond memories of great wines and Oregon is my dream destination having heard so many amazing things
Favourite spot in Central Otago?
That's a tough one given how many incredible spots we have. I was recently coerced into hiking to French Ridge Hut which was equally as brutal as it was breathtaking. Anywhere in the mountains or beside a lake I would consider a favourite
If you could have a dinner party with 3 notable people (alive or dead) who would you invite?
David Attenborough, Bruce Springsteen and of course Jancis Robinson
When not drinking wine, what’s your go to drink order?
I can never say no to a Margarita