Ata Rangi People: Harriet
For Harriet Diederich, the path to Ata Rangi is one of quiet discovery — a journey from Staffordshire, England — to the open, community-minded landscape of Martinborough.
What began as a helping hand during the 2021 harvest quickly became something deeper: a love of working outdoors, a fascination with the life of the vine and a sense of belonging within the Ata Rangi team.
Now the Ata Rangi Viticulture Supervisor, Harriet brings curiosity, intuition and care to the vineyard, guided by the belief that great wines begin with people who listen closely to the land. .
Looking back on her journey from England to the Wairarapa, Harriet says she’s most grateful for the life built here with Nick and their children, and for the unexpected path that led her to Ata Rangi. We asked Harriet about how she found herself amongst the vines at Ata Rangi.
You grew up in England — what was life like there and how does it compare to life in Martinborough today?
I grew up in Staffordshire in quite a structured, traditional environment. I find Martinborough is the opposite — open, relaxed, and community-minded. I love the contrast and the freedom this area offers. My husband Nick brought me over in 1998 to meet his family and visit the family farm, Glendryneoch. I was struck by the openness of the people, the stunning landscapes and the feeling that anything was possible here.
You originally trained in Business — did you ever imagine you’d end up working in viticulture?
Never! But finding this industry — and Ata Rangi in particular — has been one of the happiest surprises of my life.
How did farming life with Nick shape your early years in the Wairarapa?
Farming taught me resilience, patience, and resourcefulness. You quickly learn to make the most of what you have and appreciate the rhythm of rural life.
Can you take us back to the moment you first helped out with harvest at Ata Rangi—what was that experience like for you?
Harvest 2021 at Ata Rangi was a quietly eye-opening experience. Being part of the team and watching the vineyard come to life gave me a real sense of its pace, purpose, and rhythm. I really discovered how much I enjoyed working outdoors sharing the endeavour with a good group of people. I wanted to learn more about the life of the vine — so when I was offered a role to stay on and help with pruning — even though that job is in Winter — I said yes.
What do you enjoy most about your role now as Viti Supervisor?
The part I enjoy most is working with people that are both skilled and passionate.
Viticulture is both science and intuition — how would you describe your approach to working with vines?
I combine curiosity with observation. I respect the science but intuition comes from spending time in the vineyard and responding to what the vines are telling us.
What does a truly satisfying day in the vineyard look like for you?
A day when the team works well together, the weather cooperates and the progress is visible — healthy vines, tidy rows and a sense of accomplishment.
When did you first develop a taste for wine and was there a wine that really switched on the light for you?
My appreciation grew gradually but working at Ata Rangi opened my eyes to the nuance and story behind each wine.
The Pōtiki Chardonnay is my current favourite wine produced at Ata Rangi. I’ve even been nicknamed the Pōtiki Princess. I love its energy, texture and personality.
Ata Rangi wines are often described as having a sense of place—what does “place” mean to you when you taste a wine?
It’s tasting the land itself — the soil, the climate, the season and the care put into the vines. A wine with a sense of place could only come from here.
Has working at Ata Rangi changed the way you drink or think about wine?
Completely. I notice structure, texture, aromatics and the story behind each vintage. Wine has become a conversation rather than just a drink for me now.
What do you love most about being part of the Martinborough community?
The warmth and connection. People genuinely look out for each other and there’s a pride in being part of such a vibrant wine village.
You’ve seen the vineyard and team through all seasons — do you have a favourite time of year on the property?
Spring. When the vines burst back to life, everything feels hopeful, fresh and full of energy.
What’s something about vineyard work that people are often surprised to learn?
How hands-on and detailed it is. It’s physical, seasonal and deeply connected to the land — far from glamorous but immensely rewarding.
Looking back on your journey from Staffordshire to the Wairarapa, what are you most grateful for?
The life Nick and I have built here with our children — the land, the community, the vineyards and the unexpected path that led me to Ata Rangi. I’m grateful for every step along the way.
