Producer Profile: Trina Smith

TRINA SMITH

Sparkling winemaker, Pernod Ricard Winemakers

There is always something in there about new technology, whether it be from a winemaking point of view or viticulture point of view.

Trina Smith on the Grapegrower & Winemaker

How did you get your start in wine? I was studying accounting tax and I discovered the errors of my ways pretty quickly. A friend and I did a wine appreciation course and I absolutely loved it. I thought this seems like a good industry to get into and that’s what I did. I applied for the winemaking oenology degree and went from there.

What is the best thing about working in the wine sector?

I love making wine. I love that as much as I despair it, each vintage is different. I love seeing people enjoy our wine. I think it’s just it’s a great industry to be in and everyone’s really inclusive and helpful.

What have been some of the highlights of your career in wine? I’ve been lucky enough to travel around the world. I’ve done a vintage at Bollinger, helping out with the vintage in Sonoma. I’ve been nominated for the Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year award a couple of years ago. There’s been many highlights and also just the number of wines that are out there that people enjoy.

How have you been able to explore winemaking throughout your career and across different regions? When I finished university, travelling was the first thing I did. I travelled overseas to Sonoma, South Africa and then to Italy. I’ve done vintages in numerous regions around Australia and obviously working for Pernod Ricard we source a number of regions throughout Australia as well. So I feel like I’ve been to a lot of different places and discovered a lot of different wines.

What are some characteristics of Australian wine that help it stand out from other countries?

One thing I love about our wines, is a freshness and vibrancy that we have and but also love fruit driven characteristics of a lot of our wine. There’s a lot of varieties that are grown in so many different areas throughout Australia and I love that each variety really showcases the regions they come from and also the stamp of the winemaker.

What are some of the challenges involved with being a part of the winemaking industry? I know there’s been lots of rain happening for quite some time. You’re always woindering; “ how’s this going to impact the vintage and you’re already thinking ahead of what you need to do, how it’s going to affect the fruit. If it’s going to affect the fruit, what you need to do in case things go awry. Mother Nature, she’s a cruel beast sometimes.

What place does sparkling wine have in the Australian wine industry? It’s one of those styles that are growing in terms of both value and also demand or growth. So I think it has a great spot is genuine industry at the moment.

Location:

Tasmania