Mike Winter from Amisfield has just become the Bayer Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year 2015 and now goes through to the National Final. It was a very close competition with Annabel Bulk taking second place and Cliff Wickham coming third, both from Felton Road Vineyard.
Mike Winter also won the “Best Speaker” round as he debated the future market for Lifestyle or Low Alcohol wines.
Contestants completed a wide range of activities including questions on pruning, tractor and motorbike skills, general viticultural knowledge, and irrigation as well as having an interview and a blind wine tasting. Questions are set by the national and local sponsors who are all specialists in various aspects of the industry. The standard of entries was very high, showing a strong future for the viticultural industry in New Zealand.
This annual competition is now in its 10th year and has become an important fixture in the viticultural calendar, giving young vits the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge as well as make a name for themselves within the industry.
Winter was also the CO Young Viticulturist of the Year 2014 so already has valuable experience at the National Final, which will be held in conjunction with Bragato over 25-27 August in Hawke’s Bay.
