Young Viticulturist

Auckland

Leon Henson, Vineyard Manager at Batch Winery

Describe what you love about viticulture

I love the communion with nature and the teamwork it takes to foster happy, healthy vines.

What makes your region special?

Waiheke Island is a very special place. Two fault lines run through Waiheke - one actually runs straight under the Batch vineyard. This means that the earth on Waiheke is mineral rich and naturally low in pH. This makes for lovely wines. In 2016, Lonely Planet rated Waiheke as the number five region in the world to visit.

What's a burning topic in vineyards?

Eutypa dieback is a topic which has been smouldering for a while, and now the problem is burning some vineyards. It takes a large amount of work, planning and money to remedy this scourge, but we can do it.

In 20 years New Zealand wine will...

I hope, be producing more of our lovely, juicy, aromatic white wines. Right now most international wine shops only stock two varieties of Kiwi wine. We make good stuff - we're not a two-trick pony!

Hawke's Bay

Joe Stenberg, Viticultural Assistant for Te Mata Estate

Joe Stenberg

Describe what you love about viticulture

I love the way it combines science, technology, business and tradition to overcome challenges and get the fruit we need.

What makes your region special?

The Hawke's Bay is special as it has such diverse climates and microclimates capable of producing many different varieties. And all the varieties are showcased in amazing wines that stand up internationally.

What's a burning topic in vineyards?

Technology and automation. It'll be interesting to see how automation makes its way into our business and how it will change our day-to-day work.

In 20 years New Zealand wine will...

Still be producing desirable wines meeting current trends. I have no doubt we will be able to innovate with ease as we have such a strong foundation. We could be growing and making some interesting stuff but doing it well.

Central Otago

Nina Downer

Nina Downer, Viticulturist at Felton Road Wines

Describe what you love about viticulture

The diversity of jobs. Every year is different which gives constant opportunities to learn and grow as a viticulturist.

What makes your region special?

The people. The Central Otago wine industry is such a tight knit, collaborative community, always willing to share their knowledge and time with each other.

What's a burning topic in vineyards?

Resilience. With the forever changing and extreme climate conditions we are seeing as an industry, what can we do out in the vineyard to be resilient to this change? Ways we can increase the health of the vines and the soil so that we can mitigate the outcome and bounce back.

In 20 years New Zealand wine will...

Have disease resistant vines dispersed out in every region helping us with the ongoing battle that is pest and disease management.

Robots and drones will have found their way into vineyards solving some labour shortage issues, and the New Zealand wine industry will still be chugging along, adapting with the changes and making some tasty wine.

Marlborough

Anna Kelland. Photo Credit: Keagan Klempel

Anna Kelland, Viticulture Technician at Constellation Brands

Describe what you love about viticulture

Being able to use both science and instinct to grow the best grapes possible.

What makes your region special?

Marlborough makes the favourite wines of so many people around the world. It's incredible to meet new people and know you were involved in making a product they enjoy so much. Other countries may try to replicate our signature style, but our land and our people make this region unique and special.

What's a burning topic in vineyards?

As many vineyards are aging, we have the opportunity to make important long-term decisions during redevelopment and replanting. Vineyard infrastructure, soil management, planting material, and heaps of other options can be chosen with the goal to manage vineyards of the future with sustainability in mind.

In 20 years New Zealand wine will...

Be in a position to flex with market demand, changing climate, and industry challenges. We already are, but the future holds many more things to learn from and make our industry last. New Zealand viticulturists benefit from not having the attitude of 'this is how it's always been done', and we'll be making the most of that in 20 years' time.

Wairarapa

James Sutcliffe

James Sutcliffe, Foreman at the Craggy Range Martinborough vineyard

Describe what you love about viticulture

I love being in tune with the seasons and seeing the literal fruits of my labour each year.

What makes your region special?

The community. I know you can say that about most places but in my short time in the Wairarapa I have met some awesome people who have all been very welcoming.

What's a burning topic in vineyards?

Pruning is something we have been talking about in Martinborough. Seeing decades of poor practices reaching their natural conclusion has been eye opening. We often prioritise the ease of management and yield over vine development, especially in new vineyards. If we want out vines to live for a century we need to have a more considered approach to pruning.

In 20 years New Zealand wine will...

Look quite different. I think there will be more diversity in the styles that we produce. As younger generations make up an increasing proportion of wine consumers, changes in preference will be an opportunity to get creative with what we produce and how we present it.

Wairarapa Regional Winner

Annika Salenjus from Craggy Range won the 2024 Wairarapa Young Viticulturist of the Year, held at Escarpment on 20 June, taking the title for the second year running. However, she will be overseas for the national final, leaving runner up James Sutcliffe, also from Craggy Range, to represent the region and fight for the title.

South Island Finalist

The South Island regional competition, to be held at Waiata Vineyard in North Canterbury, had not been held when this edition when to print. The finalist will be profiled in the next edition, follwing the Young Viticulturist National Final on 28 August at Escarpment in Wairarapa. The winner will be announced at the Altogether Unique 2024 Celebration Dinner in Wellington on 29 August. nzwine.com/en/events/young-vit