From the kitchen to the vineyard
Matthew Aitken
Age: 35
Industry: Rural & Farming
After more than a decade working as a successful chef Matthew Aitken, 35, decided to leave the heat of the kitchen to pursue another gastronomic passion — good wine. He went back to study Viticulture at TAFE and is about to embark on a study tour of Europe's winemaking regions.
Matthew Aitken has always been firmly entrenched in the food and wine industry.
"As a teenager I had a keen interest in fishery and wildlife and considered a career in environmental sustainability. But I fell into cooking after landing a job interview and chef apprenticeship and stuck with it."
Throughout his 20s he worked at high-profile restaurants around Victoria and Tasmania, including one at the Mitchelton Winery, and met his wife Adele, also a chef by trade.
Making the switch
While in the last year of their lease of Mitchelton they decided they had achieved a lot in the food industry and needed a new challenge.
"With a love for food and a passion for wine, viticulture and winegrowing was the obvious choice," he said.
It also meant Matt would have more time to spend with his two children as they approached primary school age. He started working in vineyard operations at Plunketts Wines in Victoria's Strathbogie Ranges in 2005, planting and helping in the maintenance of vines.
"I am one of three employees, planting and tending to some 60 acres of new vines."
Realising he needed to undertake further education if he was to purse his dream properly, he enrolled in Certificate III in Food Processing (Viticulture) on a two-year traineeship at Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE (NMIT). He is now in his final year.
"The course is invaluable, and has allowed me to develop knowledge in both theoretical and practical aspects of vineyard operations."
Great Achievement
In addition, he recently won a NMIT Industry foundation study grant to tour to Europe for six weeks to meet with international winemakers and learn more about ‘old world' viticulture.
"It's fantastic, I'll be travelling through Spain, France and Italy. I'm so excited as I've never been overseas before."
Matthew has always been fascinated by the history of the different grape growing regions and why they specialise in particular varieties, and the origin of the wine industry. It's definitely a global industry offering exciting prospects.
"For Australia to continue its growth into the future I believe we must continually revisit this base and draw on the knowledge it provides."
For Matthew, the best part of the whole experience has been learning something new that is different to his last career. Despite having to overcome feelings of inadequacy coming from a job where he was at the top of his trade and having to prove himself all over again.
"I have learnt another skill and now I'm a richer person for it."
"I would say to anyone considering a career change, just to go for it. You've got nothing to lose. Never think about failing."
Down the track
And as for the future, Matt just wants to keep learning, possibly to go on and do a Diploma in Viticulture, with a view to one day owning his own place combining his two loves.
"My wife and I would love to open a little bistro or cafe and wine bar somewhere in the countryside when the children are older."
So what then, is Matt's favourite wine? "It's a tough question. A chardonnay is probably my favourite white, but I would have to say a Pinot overall.
"Pinots are light and flexible and a great wine to drink with food."
Fitting it seems, for this culinary connoisseur.
Best part?Learning something new. To learn and have another experience is never a negative thing. And it's great working outdoors, having weekends and a social life again.
Hardest part?Coming from a job where I was confident and very skilled and to have prove yourself all over again — it's very humbling. You have to rely on other people and not be in complete control while you are still learning.
Greatest achievement?Getting the study grant was fantastic. I am proud of that and I certainly didn't expect it. I guess I'm a quiet achiever.
Advice?Just have a go, don't be frightened about making a career change. You need to be hard-working and willing to have a go. Don't be worried about your pride, you've got so much to gain.
