Rhys Hall from Indevin has been named the Corteva Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year 2020, following a competition held at Giesen’s Stump Creek Vineyard in Blenheim.
Jess Wilson from Whitehaven came in second and Dan Warman from Constellation was third.
There were eight contestants competing in total. The other five contestants were Andrew Mann from Rapaura Springs, Blair Elliot from Matua, Chloe Hannah from Fruitfed Supplies, Jess Barnes from Loveblock and Jess Marston from Villa Maria.
“It was a fantastic atmosphere in the vineyards, as the contestants really gave it their all as well as encouraging their fellow competitors,” says Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers.
“This competition is about Young Vits stretching themselves and striving for the title, but it’s also about bonding and making life long viti friends.”
The Young Vits were tested on all aspects of vineyard management, including trellising, pruning, nutrition, machinery, pests & diseases, irrigation and budgeting.
Rhys Hall will go on to represent Marlborough in the National Final in Martinborough in October.
The national winner will win a prize package including a Hyundai Kona for a year, an Ecotrellis Travel Grant, a Corteva educational trip to Australia, Bahco golden secateurs, a leadership week and cash.
There are also cash prizes from AGMARDT for the top three national finalists research projects.
For more information, visit www.nzwine.com
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