Courtney Sang from Obsidian on Waiheke Island has been named the Corteva Northern Young Viticulturist of the Year 2021.
Man O’War’s Aidan Erceg and George Laughlan took out second and third place respectively.
The other contestants included Annalise Williams from Cable Bay, Lee Griffiths from Te Motu, Leon Henson from Heron’s Fight and Tyler Soljan and Tai Nelson both from Soljan’s.
The regional competition encompasses Northland, Matakana, West Auckland and Waiheke. and this was the first time since it began in 2016 that there have been the full eight contestants.
It was also the first time someone from Matakana was in the competition and it the first time any women have competed.
The Young Vits were tested on all aspects of viticulture, including pruning, trellising, nutrition, machinery, budgeting and wine knowledge.
“It takes time for each competition to build up and we are delighted more ambitious and passionate Young Vits in the Northern region are wanting to stretch themselves and start making a name for themselves,” says Nicky Grandorge, National Co-Ordinator.
Sang will represent Waiheke in the National Final in Marlborough in August, competing against winners from Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Marlborough, North Canterbury and Central Otago.
The winner of the National Final will receive a Hyundai Kona for a year, an Ecotrellis travel grant, an educational visit to Australia with Corteva, Bahco golden secateurs and other cash prizes.
The national winner will also go on to represent the wine industry in the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition in November.
For more information please contact Nicky Grandorge at nicky.grandorge@nzwine.com.
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