Doug Wisor was a brilliant young American-born winemaker at Craggy Range who passed away in New Zealand following a tragic kite surfing accident.
During his time with Craggy Range, Doug crafted some of the finest wines New Zealand has seen, and left a lasting legacy of precision, creativity, and dedication to excellence.
Established in 2006, the Doug Wisor Memorial Scholarship supports a young American winemaker to travel to New Zealand and intern at Craggy Range for the 2027 harvest.
The Doug Wisor Memorial Fund will provide return airfares from the US, whilst Craggy Range will provide a modest salary for the duration of the harvest, which runs from approximately March until May 2027.
At the completion of the vintage the recipient will also be given a unique opportunity to tour New Zealand’s diverse wine regions, with visits to iconic producers organised by Craggy Range and a travel bursary up to $1,000 USD for transport and accommodation.
Over the years, many exceptionally talented young winemakers have been awarded the scholarship, gaining valuable insight into the New Zealand wine landscape whilst experiencing the legacy Doug helped establish at Craggy Range. The successful applicant will join this remarkable alumni community.
Maija Roses was the recipient of the 2022 scholarship, and described her experience below:
" On numerous occasions before I left the US for the 2023 vintage, I met people whose lives were touched by Doug Wisor, and past interns who raved about their experiences at Craggy Range.
"Stepping off the plane in Napier, I already understood the privilege it was to be selected for the Doug Wisor scholarship. By the time I flew home a few months later, the privilege of what I experienced was only truly realised. I am grateful for the supporters of the Doug Wisor scholarship. It is because of this support that I became one of many lives touched by his legacy.
I hope to share what I have learned from Craggy Range in my next career steps as I return to the cellar in Napa Valley this vintage with an excited confidence for the road ahead.”
Selection Criteria:
1. Applicant should demonstrate intellect, vision, innovation and practical experience in winemaking.
2. Demonstrate why an overseas internship would be important in career development.
3. Explanation of mutual benefits likely to both the applicant and vineyard.
4. Applications must be clear, concise and easily understandable.
5. Please include contact details for at least one recent wine industry referee.
Application Process:
A detailed resume together with an essay outlining the reasons why the applicant wants to work a harvest in New Zealand should be submitted by the 31st August 2026.
Applications and inquiries should be sent by email to Craggy Range Chief Winemaker Ben Tombs: ben.tombs@craggyrange.com
