Young Viticulturist of the Year 2025: James Sutcliffe wins North Island regional title

James Sutcliffe is the 2025 North Island Regional Young Viticulturist of the Year.

James Sutcliffe, from Craggy Range, Wairarapa, has been named the 2025 North Island Regional Young Viticulturist of the Year, following a day of competition at Batch Winery on Waiheke Island.

The regional event was open to young viticulturists from Auckland, Northland, Gisborne and Wairarapa.

Having represented Wairarapa in the 2024 national final, Sutcliffe was thrilled to take out the title this year.

Joining him on the podium were Braxton Benseman, from Man O’ War Vineyards on Waiheke Island, who placed second, and Gagandeep Singh, from Babich in Auckland, who came third.

Also performing strongly were Erin Clark, from Mudbrick on Waiheke, and Daniell Hare, from Indevin Gisborne, who scored highly in some of the sections.

Adam Yukich, chairman of the regional competition, praised the competitors.

“We were impressed with the calibre and really positive attitude of all the contestants, who tackled each challenge with determination and a smile,” he said.

Braxton was awarded the Ormond Professional Reputation Award for his excellent communication skills and willingness to help others.

Sutcliffe claimed both the Ecotrellis trellising prize and the BioStart Hortisports, while Gagandeep won best speech.

Contestants went through a series of challenges, including nutrition, pest and disease management, budgeting, machinery, irrigation, pruning, and an interview.

The day’s events at Batch Winery culminated in the high-energy Hortisports race, followed by a sausage sizzle.

North Island Regional Young Viticulturist of the Year finalists (from left), third placegetter Gagandeep Singh, winner James Sutcliffe and Braxton Benseman, who came second. Photo / Supplied

The evening awards dinner, also held at Batch Winery, featured speeches by the contestants.

This marks a second win for Craggy Range, with Nick Putt from its Gimblett Gravels site taking out the Hawke’s Bay regional title.

Sutcliffe will now advance to the national final at Greystone in Waipara on August 27.

The 2025 New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year will be announced at the NZ Wine 2025 celebration dinner at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre on August 28.

Finalists will compete for top prizes, including a $6000 Ecotrellis Travel Grant, a Leadership Week, and tickets to the Cool Climate Symposium.

A national BioStart Hortisports winner will also be named, along with other cash prizes.