Mark Langlands from Te Kairanga is the Bayer Wairarapa Young Viticulturist of the Year 2015. Contestants completed a wide range of activities including questions on trellising, vine management, pests and diseases, budgeting, tractor maintenance and irrigation as well as having an interview and a quick fire buzzer round.
It was a very close competition with Scott Lancely from Craggy Range taking second place and James Kenny from Martinborough Vineyards coming third. They all won cash prizes as well as wine glasses donated by Winejobsonline.
Langlands heads off to California to work a vintage there, which means he is unavailable for the National Final. Lancely will therefore take his place and represent the Wairarapa region, competing against other finalists from Hawkes Bay, Marlborough and Central Otago.
As well as gaining the title of Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year 2015, the national winner will be awarded a $5000 travel voucher from NZSVO, one year’s full lease of a Hyundai Santa Fe, $2000 cash, wine glasses and leadership training. They will also secure a place in the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition representing the viticultural industry.
