Craggy Range vineyard manager Nick Putt wins HB Young Viticulturist of the Year

Craggy Range vineyard manager Nick Putt, 27, takes home first place at the Hawke’s Bay Young Viticulturist of the Year Awards.

After taking home the Hawke’s Bay Young Viticulturist of the Year 2023 award, 27-year-old Craggy Range vineyard manager Nick Putt is now in the running for the national final at the end of August.

Putt was one of eight young contestants at Paritua Estate on June 15 to compete in a wide range of viticultural questions and challenges including pruning, irrigation, trellising, nutrition, and an interview.

The Craggy Range vineyard manager explained there was a lot going on the day of the event, so it was tough to gauge how he was going, let alone how the other competitors were tracking.

Although he was relatively happy with how he went during the day, he knew he still had to do well in the speech and quiz, so he didn’t have much of an idea of who was leading the pack.

“I was very nervous leading up to the announcement as anyone can take it out on the day,” Putt said.

The 27-year-old added, “It was a great feeling to win. I haven’t competed for a few years so was good to get back into the competition and come away with the win.”

Nick Putt is both excited and nervous about the challenge of competing for the title of New Zealand Viticulturist of the Year.

His favourite event of the day was hortisports, which includes many different fun and quirky events that break up a bit of the stress from the whole day.

“It gives the supporters a chance to cheer competitors on as we race against each other to finish first, while still completing tasks correctly,” Putt said.

His strongest event was eco trellis or pruning and yield, both have practical and theoretical aspects to them which Putt likes. However, nutrition wasn’t his favourite as “it’s always hard as there’s a lot to remember with many different biological interactions in the plant and soil”.

As Hawke’s Bay’s 2023 Young Viticulturist of the Year, in August Putt will compete against five other contestants from Auckland, Wairarapa, Marlborough, North Canterbury and Central Otago to see who is the best of the best.

This year the national finals will be held in Hawke’s Bay, so Putt will have a big home crowd behind him.

Nationals will be a challenge however is one Putt is both excited and nervous for. As he told Hastings Leader it is a very similar format but time at each station is increased, meaning judges are wanting a bit more explanation and reasoning behind answers.

“It’s a privilege to represent Hawke’s Bay and I hope to come away with more knowledge and maybe even a place in the top three,” he said.

Putt’s preparation for nationals will mainly include spending time with industry leaders in the region and also talking with sponsors about relevant study topics.

“There is no knowing what topics or questions will pop up which makes studying a little more difficult,” he added

Putt wants to give a big thank you to Craggy Range and the team who provide endless knowledge and support.

Douw Grobler (left) came in second, Daniel Brewster came in third, with Nick Putt taking out the Hawke’s Bay Young Viticulturist of the Year Award.

While the Craggy Range vineyard manager took out the top spot, Douw Grobler from Trinity Hill came second and Daniel Brewster from AONZ came third.

The judges said they were impressed with the knowledge and drive of all the contestants “who really gave it their all”.

Competing all day made the group hungry so they spent their lunch break at the BioStart Hortisports which was then followed by a barbecue feast laid on by Fruitfed Supplies.

Later that evening the awards dinner was held at Mission Estate, where the contestants had a quick-fire quiz and delivered their speeches, covering a wide range of wine industry topics.

Guest speaker head coach and mentor at Hastings Giants Boxing Academy Craig McDougall captivated the audience with his inspirational speech where he highlighted the power of how a sense of belonging brings self-belief, which leads to being the person you want to be.

He also touched on how a sense of community and a supportive environment are key to people reaching their potential and enjoying happy, healthy lives.

Young viticulturist national co-ordinator Nicky Grandorge explained everything McDougall spoke on is an important aspect of the Young Vit programme.

“There is a real sense of sponsors, contestants and wine industry members really wanting to help each other grow. It’s very special,” Grandorge said.

The regional viticulturist of the year competition was made possible thanks to all the sponsors involved: BioStart, Ecotrellis, Hyundai, Agritrade, Constellation Brands, Empak, Fruitfed Supplies, Fendt, Klima, Ormond Nurseries, Roots, Shoots & Fruits, Villa Maria-Indevin, Waterforce, AEG, NZSVO and Winejobsonline.