Young Winemaker Of The Year

For the past 10 years, young viticulturists have been given the chance to shine, through a national competition that has focused on skills within the vineyard. Now it’s the turn of winemakers.

Spokesperson for the national competition, Sophie Matthews says there are three regional competitions planned for later this year – Hawke’s Bay, Central Otago and Marlborough. Each region has a stand-alone committee organising events and already competitors are indicating their eagerness to be involved.

“We are really excited about this,” Matthews says. “It has been a long time coming and everyone in the industry agrees that there is a need for something like this competition to recognize young professionals wanting to make a go of their careers.”
Pitting yourself against your peers is one of the best ways of growing, if the Young Viticulturist competition is anything to go by. All past contestants have been quick to acknowledge that taking part in such a competition only helps you improve your basic knowledge. 

In terms of the winemakers, Matthews says there is no limit on the number of contestants entering, although each region will be selecting a final six to take part in the day-long competition. And unlike other young winemaker competitions held throughout the world, there will be no section dedicated to wines produced by the entrants.

“We are hoping instead to focus on marketing, theory and practical areas,” she says. “There will be components of theory, as well as practical skills, such as blending and a laboratory section. Basically it will be a real mix, covering what a winemaker is expected to do in their everyday work life. But there will also be fun aspects, such as wine options and something along the line of the Horti Sports that has become a feature of the Young Viticulturist.”

Despite the title of Young Winemaker, Matthews is quick to point out the competition is not limited to those who are actually titled as a winemaker.

“We are aiming this competition at anyone who works within the winery that is interested in the winemaking aspect. That may be someone involved in marketing, and certainly anyone who is a cellar hand at this stage. There are only a few criteria that they must fit.”
Those criteria are that they are 30 years or younger, have two years wine experience here in New Zealand and are a New Zealand resident. Although that condition will be waived for Australians who are keen to enter.

“We have had a lot of interest from Australia, and given how many Aussies are working here, we figure it is fair enough to include them in the competition. Especially if they have been here contributing to our industry.”

The Regional competitions will take place during July, with the three winners then going on to compete for the national title, later in the year. And if a title isn’t enough to encourage potential competitors, them maybe the prizes will be. Each regional winner will receive $1000, with a large pool of prizes being organized for the New Zealand final.

Full details on the competition are available from each of the regional bodies, Wine Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Association and Central Otago Winegrowers Association.

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