Howdy! I heard you need a little hand with some winemaking?
My name is Andre Caraco, but people call me Taco! I'm based in the Wairarapa and my main gig is contract design and illustration while I complete my Bachelor's in Viticulture and Wine Science from EIT.
This means I've got lots of time to pick up jobs here and there that you might have around your winery or vineyard. I've detailed some of my experience on my CV below, but my main sell is this – show me what you want done and how you want it, and I'll go do it for you!
No need to put me on payroll, I'm GST registered through my main business so can invoice as we go.
Take a load off, or pickup that other other job that has been sitting for ages and let Taco do some work for you!
PS. Looking for V27 crew? Let's get in touch!
PPS. Looking for full time staff? I could be interested in that too...
"You've got all the skills to go into any winery anywhere in the country and fit in just fine."
– Miles Dineen, Matahiwi Estate
"It's been so good having you here to bounce ideas across and get opinions on stuff like our blending!"
– Nicky Geary, Le Grá
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design
– High Distinction, 2013
– High Distinction, 2013
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Illustration
– High Distinction, 2013
CALIFORNIA COLLEGE OF THE ARTS, SAN FRANCISCO
– High Distinction, 2013
CALIFORNIA COLLEGE OF THE ARTS, SAN FRANCISCO
—
Bachelor of Sciences, Viticulture and Oenology
–(in progress, with distinction so far)
EASTERN INSITITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, NZ
–(in progress, with distinction so far)
EASTERN INSITITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, NZ
EXPERIENCE
Vintage 2026 Cellar Hand
Matahiwi Estate, Opaki, Masterton
Matahiwi Estate, Opaki, Masterton
Completed 1100+ tonnes of grape processing across Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay including sparkling and barrelled wine. Specialised in laboratory and fermentation management, completing daily checks along with SO2 level adjustments, TA / PH measurements and other lab tasks. Was involved in all winemaking tasks including pump overs, racking, plunging reds, fining additions, yeast preparation, etc.
—
Vineyard and Cellar Hand
Le Grá, Opaki, Masterton
Le Grá, Opaki, Masterton
Currently working as a contractor for various jobs around the winery with tasks including racking and transfers, vineyard help, harvest, bottling, forklift work, cleaning, blending and other general winemaking help.
AWARDS
Associate Judge
NEW WORLD WINE AWARDS 2025
NEW WORLD WINE AWARDS 2025
Wine Steward
HAWKE’S BAY A&P SHOW WINE AWARDS 2024
HAWKE’S BAY A&P SHOW WINE AWARDS 2024
Bronze Medal, Seagull Pinot Gris
HAWKE’S BAY A&P SHOW WINE AWARDS 2025
– Student Category
HAWKE’S BAY A&P SHOW WINE AWARDS 2025
– Student Category
SKILLSET
Cellar Hand
Completed winemaking tasks including receivals of grapes, preparation of yeasts, transfer of musts / wine across the winery, cleaning and preparation of all tanks / barrels, stuck fermentation rectifying, preparation and execution of fining as well as other winery tasks.
Completed winemaking tasks including receivals of grapes, preparation of yeasts, transfer of musts / wine across the winery, cleaning and preparation of all tanks / barrels, stuck fermentation rectifying, preparation and execution of fining as well as other winery tasks.
Lab Technician
Ability to complete tests on wine including alcohol through ebulliometre, SO2 free and bound via aspiration, PH and TA via titration, cold stabilisation via refrigeration, protein stabilisation and bentonite measurement as well as fining additions.
Ability to complete tests on wine including alcohol through ebulliometre, SO2 free and bound via aspiration, PH and TA via titration, cold stabilisation via refrigeration, protein stabilisation and bentonite measurement as well as fining additions.
Forklift OSH Certified as of June 2026
First Aid Certified as of November 2024
Home Winemaking
Capacity for 60L each vintage and have produced a pét nat, Pinot noir, Rosé, Viognier and Pinot gris – which won a bronze medal in the HB A&P 2025 wine awards, student category.