Blackenbrook Vineyard

Daniel has an invaluable team of two full-time employees by his side. “They’re my other pairs of hands and eyes. I couldn’t do without them,” smiles Daniel.

One of them usually is a European trainee working here for a full growing season from bud burst to harvest.    They come from family vineyards just like Blackenbrook and having just finished their basic winemaking training back home, they bring along massive enthusiasm and up-to-date knowledge.  “We love having these young people with us. They are eager to learn and the in-depth winemaking conversations and blind tastings are a real inspiration for both sides.  They tend to become part of the Blackenbrook Family pretty quickly”.

Daniel did exactly the same after finishing his studies at Lincoln.  “Working in different European winegrowing regions was a huge experience, shaping me into the winemaker I am today.  We try to offer the same opportunity to our trainees and hope to make some impact on their professional career. “

Later on in the season many more hands are needed to bring in the grapes.  “Over harvest we’d have up to 20 pickers here, a cheerful team of loyal helpers from the Moutere and travelling young people from all corners of the world.  That’s when the demand for freshly baked muffins grows exponentially!“