Dominic Pecchenino is the newest recipient of a Wine Marlborough Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognises service to the development of the Marlborough Wine Industry and was presented to the viticultural consultant during the Winter Pruning Field Day held at the Matador Estate yesterday.
Pecchenino arrived in Marlborough from the United States in 1994, where he took over as the manager of Matador Estate. A fitting full-circle moment for him to receive his award at the very same place nearly 30 years later.
He has a Masters Degree in Plant Science and Viticulture and brought fresh eyes to the Marlborough industry, working as a member of the Wine Board for 12 years, including three years as chair. He was also a member of the New Zealand Winegrowers board for 16 years and chair of the research committee.
“He was also an instigator for the annual New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) Grape Days, as he strongly believed that research being undertaken around the country needed to be shared with growers throughout the country," said Marcus Pickens, Wine Marlborough General Manager.
The award was presented by Beth Forrest, who noted that it is for celebrating the hard work that individuals like Dominic have put into what’s become a highly successful industry.
Pecchenino was supposed to receive the honour in 2021, however, the Marlborough Wine Show Celebration Long Lunch was cancelled due to Covid-19. This means that for the first time ever, two industry pioneers will be receiving the honour in the same year. Another presentation is set to be announced soon.
