Originally from Whangarei, Darryll and Karen Aitken moved to the Nelson region in May 1998, and have since established a ten acre block of grapes on the Waimea Plains near Brightwater.
Inspired by a similar development in Marlborough by Darryll's uncle and aunt, contract growers for Corbans and Montana winemakers, the Aitkens are realising their dreams. They planted their own rooted vines by November 1998 and are growing predominantly sauvignon grapes, with some pinot noir, for the Waimea Estates vineyard.
Darryll was previously a fitter and turner at the Marsden Point Oil Refinery, while Karen was a nurse at the Whangarei Base Hospital. They both continue to be employed in these trades locally as the vineyard continues to mature. Karen described how last year, with the help of family and friends, they handpicked three and a half tonnes. "It was a fun weekend that went really well, but we were absolutely knackered at the end of it. This year the harvester came in and we sat and watched it all happen, so it was a big difference. It was excellent, and we harvested 22 tonnes."
Karen admits that the expenses in setting up a new vineyard are substantial and it will take another couple of years before any money they make will be their own. "Once we get to that stage, that will be a highlight. At the moment we are breaking even and that suits us fine for now," she said enthusiastically. "And it has been worthwhile, when you get to this stage and you look outside now, the house is on a great site, you can see everything from the window - and the snow on the hills in winter."
So far the Aitkens have done most of the work themselves, such as pruning, but this year as the jobs continue to get bigger they have had some contractors in. They have got their own sprayer this year, and when Darryll's relatives moved on to manage another vineyard, it allowed them to purchase their redundant equipment such as their tractor, mulcher, mower and weed sprayer, eliminating the need to buy new gear.
They also benefit from the good advice of family, and Trevor Bolitho of Waimea Estates. "It's great to be signed up, especially when we are new to the game, we've got people to ring and ask what we do now."
They are not planning to make their own labeled wine in the future, as that would probably require at least twice the acreage but they look forward to a reversal in the employment situation. "Darryll is currently full time at Nelson Pine Industries, I'm part time at the Manuka Street Hospital, we do this in our spare time. Hopefully in 2-3 years we will be able to do this full time, and make the other jobs part time," Karen remarked, as she prepared breakfast for their two year old son, Kyle.
