The NZ wine industry is starting to build up to the 2021 Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year competition with entries now open and the Education Days kicking off in May.  These will be followed by the regional competitions running throughout June and July and the National Final being held in Marlborough this year at the end of August.

Despite the lockdowns and Covid Alert Level changes last year, the competitions were still able to go ahead, although dates were changed and some run behind closed gates.  This year organisers are hoping everything can go ahead smoothly with supporters able to attend all the competitions and dinners. 

“We are excited to be ramping up again for 2021” says Nicky Grandorge, National Co-Ordinator “This is an important initiative which gives many passionate young viticulturists the opportunity to upskill and start making a name for themselves within the New Zealand wine industry.” She adds “The Young Vit community is a very strong and supportive and the flexibility shown by all the sponsors, organisers and contestants last year is a testament to this.”

Now in its sixteenth year the competition tests young vits on everything involved with running a vineyard and being a successful viticultural leader from soil nutrition, trellising through to budgeting, biosecurity planning and public speaking.  As always, the popular BioStart Hortipsorts race will run at lunchtime accompanied by a BBQ provided by Fruitfed Supplies.  Spectators are very welcome to come along to these.

The prizes this year are looking as great as ever, with the national winner taking home 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.

Rhys Hall from Indevin in Marlborough was the 2020 winner, which was announced at the Young Vit 15 Years celebration in October last year. Which region will the trophy be heading back to in 2021?

The competition is made possible thanks to the generosity and support of these passionate sponsors:  Corteva Agriscience, BioStart, Ecotrellis, Hyundai, Bahco, Constellation, Empak, Fendt, Fruitfed Supplies, Indevin, Klima, Ormond Nurseries, Roots, Fruits & Shoots, Waterforce and Winejobsonline.

Dates:

3 June – Auckland, Waiheke

10 June – Hawke’s Bay

17 June – Wairarapa

1 July – Marlborough

8 July – SI Regional, N.Canterbury

15 July – Central Otago

25-26 August – National Final, Marlborough

Entry Forms available at www.nzwine.com/en/initiatives/young-vit