Hawke's Bay viticulturists to test talents on national stage

The battle for viticulturist of the year has begun.

After an exciting few weeks of regional competitions, the winners are now preparing for the national final, where they will battle it out to win the overall title of Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year 2018.

The competition will take place on August 27 at Palliser Estate in Wairarapa, the first time the national final has ever been held in the region.

There will be six young vits (under 30 years) representing six winegrowing regions nationwide.

This year sees the first national finalist representing Northland and also the first from Waipara.

The finalists will be tested on all aspects of vineyard management, both practical and theoretical. The contestants will then give a speech at the Bragato conference in Wellington later in the week and the winner will be announced at the Bragato Conference dinner on August 30.

As well as becoming the Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year, the winner will take home a prize package including a Hyundai Kona for a year, an AGMARDT travel grant, $2000 cash, a Leadership week, Riedel glassware from Winejobsonline and Bahco golden secateurs.

FINALISTS

Auckland/Northern: Jake Dromgool, The Landing.
Hawke's Bay: Jono Hunt, Delegats.
Wairarapa: Scott Lanceley, Te Kairanga.
Marlborough: Ben Richards, Indevin.
Waipara: Zoe Marychurch.
Central Otago: Annabel Bulk, Felton Road.