"I made a positive step to change my lifestyle and I have enjoyed every minute of the journey. I have visited wonderful places, spoken to incredible people, drunk enduring wines and learnt a wealth of knowledge about wine, its history and its nature both scientifically and philosophically....and my conclusion – All men are born equal, and wine is a lovely drop.”

Many Years ago, Puneet Dhall left the bright lights of London to study Grape Growing and Winemaking at the esteemed ‘Eastern Institute of Technology’ in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

Originally trained as an Engineer at Warwick and Cambridge Universities, his years spent Managing and Designing Mass Production Products had left him seeking a more simple way.

"My career was taking off and I was doing really well, but my heart was not in it. I just wanted to get my feet back on the ground and do something I really enjoy." He says.

His interest in wine began after spending a year in South Africa in the early nineties and time in Bordeaux, where he met friends who were involved within the industry. "I had an interest in wine for such a long time, but had never really considered it as a career option. However a Holiday climbing the Andes in Peru changed that. Mountains can have that effect on people”

After studying the Arts of Viticulture and Oenology at E.I.T, Puneet went on to work at the prestigious Sacred Hill winery. Sacred Hill is one of the most successful Wineries in New Zealand, and its Chief Winemaker – Tony Bish is highly regarded internationally.

Following Sacred Hill, Puneet returned to Europe and immersed himself in the Hub of Fine Wine Trading, working for one of the largest Fine Wine Traders in the World, ‘Fine & Rare Wines’. He toured many wine Regions of Europe, and established strong relationships with many Producers, Merchants, Negociants and Chateaux.

Puneet currently Runs his own Successful Business- ‘Dhall & Nash Fine Wines’ , Exporting The Finest Wines around the World, and also acting as an Agency representing Several Wineries.

His longer-term aspiration is to set up a winery in India, where the industry is still in its infancy.

Puneet says, "Moving to New Zealand and studying at EIT was the best decision I have ever made. I made a positive step to change my lifestyle and I have enjoyed every minute of the journey. I would recommend the one year Certificate to anyone. It provides an excellent balance between practical, hands-on wine making and academic study. I had lots of fun during the course and I love working in the industry."

He can be reached at this email