Meet the Author

About:
Graciela Collett is a Wairarapa-focused wine writer and tasting-room researcher who specializes in Martinborough winery routes, Wairarapa Pinot Noir, and practical cellar door planning. She visits wineries with a notebook-first approach—comparing flight structure, service style, seasonal availability, and how wines show alongside food—then turns that into clear, beginner-friendly guides for travelers who want a relaxed but informed wine experience in New Zealand’s boutique regions.

Education:

B.A. in Hospitality & Tourism Management
Victoria University of Wellington, 2010
Graduate Diploma in Viticulture & Oenology
Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), 2013

Work Experience:

Cellar Door & Wine Tourism Researcher
Independent (NZ), 2014–2017
Wine Features Writer
Southern Wine Routes, 2018–2021
Editor, Wairarapa Wine Guide
2022–Present

Publications:

“Martinborough in a Day: How to Taste Without Rushing”
2021
“Wairarapa Pinot Noir Styles: Reading the Subregions in the Glass”
2023
“Cellar Door Etiquette & Booking Strategy for Boutique NZ Wine Regions”
2025
Taste slowly, ask good questions, and travel responsibly.