Tessa Nicholson, Editor at Winepress and New Zealand Winegrower Magazine, Marlborough

Born, Bred, Schooled
Born in Wanganui, educated in Palmerston North – not renowned wine regions it has to be said.
First wine industry job
Ahh, not really in the wine industry as such, but first wine writing job was with the Marlborough Express in Blenheim, doing the wine round. Can you believe it, no one else wanted it. As my husband and I  had been growing grapes for a few years they thought I knew something about the industry. Little did they know!
First real (full time) job (outside of school/uni holidays)

Radio New Zealand cadet at 2ZA in Palmerston North. I went on to host a kids show as 'Tessie Twinkle Toes'. Not the most auspicious name! 

Career Highlight
Finally making it as an “adult” Radio announcer and being able to drop the Twinkle Toes title. Then later getting the job as Editor of Winepress in 2004.
Mentor/Influencer
Within the wine industry – Dominic Pecchenino for his enthusiasm and sheer 
Abundance of solid and practical knowledge.
Cat? Dog? 

No cat, because we have a German Shepherd dog (Kobe) who seems to have a taste for Cats, if she ever got the chance. Plus a guide pup AJ.

Desert island wine and food

Chardonnay for the wine, so many to choose from I can’t make a single choice. Food wise, a chicken salad with heaps of pistachios, pine nuts,fresh tomatoes and Basil. 

Dinner table companions, dead or alive
Oscar Wilde, Lauren Bacall, Queen Elizabeth I 
Greatest achievement

Being the mother of four boys and surviving.

New Zealand wine industry needs...

To concentrate on the quality of our wines as a cohesive unit. And not allow greed to overshadow that goal.

If you weren't working in the wine industry in your current position, what would you be doing?
Reading a lot more, and maybe even getting into a bit more exercise. Travelling too.
Virtues
Like to laugh a lot! Disciplined when it comes to writing. 
Vices
If I tell you that, I may have to correct them.
One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have been puppy walking Guide Puppies for the past 10 years. Have walked and trained 7 so far, plus one police pup. (My carpet is a mess.)
 
If you had the day off tomorrow what would you like to do?
Lie on a beach somewhere warm. But at this time of year that is unlikely.
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