Three young women take out the top three places in the 2021 Corteva Wairarapa Young Viticulturist of the Year.
Congratulations to Albie Feary from Ata Rangi in Martinborough who became the Corteva Wairarapa Young Viticulturist of the Year 2021 on 17 June.
Congratulations also goes to Hannah Pause from Foley Family Wines who was Runner Up and Katie Cameron from Escarpment who came third.
This is the first time in the history of the Young Vit competition that three women have taken out the top three places highlighting the increasing interest for both men and women to pursue a successful career in viticulture.
There were seven contestants in total and the judges were very impressed with the high calibre of them all, as well as the growth they have seen in each of them year on year. “The passion, dedication and determination of these Young Vits is very inspiring” says Nicky Grandorge, the National Co-ordinator of the competition. “It’s fantastic that they return each year with more confidence, skills and knowledge each time.”
The other contestants were: Hilary Forster, Escarpment; Rob Jasionowicz, Escparment; McKenzie Smith, Craggy Range and Sonia Saba from Luna Estate.
The competition was held at the stunning Luna Estate Blue Rock Vineyard where the Young Vits were tested on a wide range of challenges including trellising, tractor knowledge, pruning, nutrition, irrigation, pest & disease, budgeting and an interview. They then went head to head in a very colourful Biostart Hortisports race. This was followed by a Fruitfed Supplies BBQ.
The Awards Dinner was held at Peppers Parehua where the contestants delivered speeches on key wine industry issues and the winners were announced at the end of the evening.
Albie will go on to represent Wairarapa at the National Final in August in Marlborough. She will compete against the winners from Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, N.Canterbury & Central Otago.
There are some amazing prizes to be won at the National Final. These include a Hyundai Kona for a year, an Ecotrellis travel grant, an educational visit to Australia with Corteva, Bahco golden secateurs and other cash prizes. The winner will also go on to represent the wine industry in the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition in November.