A Blenheim winemaker who had $40,000 of wine stolen from a warehouse wants to thank those who helped him through a difficult time by passing on his knowledge to those entering the wine industry.
Gordon Forshaw, owner of Gort Vintners, said he was "absolutely humbled" by the help he had received from people in the wine industry after a series of break-ins in March 2010 at the Bomford St warehouse where he stored his wine.
He wanted to return the goodwill by helping people make a start in the industry. He is not sure what he will do yet but hopes to draw on the experience he gained as a technician in the student winery at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology in 2008.
Joshua Richard Lucas, 18, unemployed, of Blenheim, was sentenced for the theft when he appeared at the Blenheim District Court yesterday. He was ordered to pay $20,000 reparation, and serve four months community detention, 200 hours community work and undergo 12 months supervision.
Mr Forshaw said the sentence was light, but was glad Lucas received a conviction because it would allow him to move on from the theft.
"That ruined me and I never recovered from it," he said.
"He was just so unremorseful – that's what got me – [but] he's been weighed and measured by the courts."
Mr Forshaw, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, said his condition got worse during the police investigation and the court case.
Symptoms became more pronounced when the sufferer was stressed or had anxiety, he said.
He found playing his harmonica and guitar helped keep his spirits up during the tough times.
Months after the theft and with the help of the Marlborough wine industry, Mr Forshaw released the Wine Thief label to try to recoup some of the losses.
The range included Ripped Off Riesling, Stolen Sauvignon Blanc and Guilty Gewurztraminer and came packaged in a "court case" of wine called The Jury's Decision.
Mr Forshaw said he had made about $20,000 back since the theft last year and still had some of the Wine Thief range to sell.
A fundraising event was also held for Mr Forshaw and raised $2000 to help him get back on his feet.
Wine continues to be a passion: "I'm keeping myself busy by helping people who want to know how to make wine. I'm not being paid for it. Helping out a couple of people with winemaking knowledge just to keep my head in the wine industry."
He also wanted to thank Blenheim police and Victim Support who had been "tremendous".
- The Marlborough Express
SIMON WONG
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