Marieke(41)

I studied oenology and viticulture at HAS University in Den Bosch and then worked ten years in the wine industry in France — first in Bordeaux, then in the Loire Valley. But New Zealand's wine revolution had been attracting me for years. The Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough conquered the world, and the Nelson region, just to the west, was rising with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. I wanted to be part of it.

Through an international wine congress in London I connected with a family estate in the Waimea Plains near Nelson. They were looking for an experienced winemaker to develop their premium range. The offer was attractive: a good salary, a cottage on the estate and the creative freedom to make the wine I wanted. Within two months I had an Accredited Employer Work Visa via the AEWV route.

Nelson is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand, with more than 2,400 sunshine hours per year. The climate is perfect for grapes — warm days, cool nights and a long autumn. The region has about thirty wineries, and the atmosphere is more artisanal than commercial. Everyone knows everyone, and there's healthy collaboration between vineyards. It reminds me of the Loire, but with mountains and the sea as well.

Wine legislation in New Zealand is less strict than in Europe. There are no AOC rules or yield limits — you have the freedom to experiment. But quality standards are high, and consumers expect transparency about origin and method. I now work with biodynamic principles and minimal intervention, something that always met resistance in France but is appreciated here.

Life in Nelson is wonderful. The town has about 50,000 residents, a vibrant arts scene, great restaurants and Abel Tasman National Park just around the corner. The rent for my cottage is included with the job, but house prices in Nelson are rising fast — expect NZ$700,000-900,000 for a house. The community is warm and international; there are many Europeans in the wine industry.

My plan is to start my own small vineyard in three years. With the Entrepreneur Residence route and my established network in the region, that's achievable. My advice: if you're in the wine, beer or food industry, look at New Zealand. The quality of the products is world class, the industry is growing and there's room for craftsmanship and innovation. Nelson has become my home.