The regional competitions for Young Viticulturalist of the Year 20025 are currently taking place around New Zealand.
Open to viticulturists 30 years or under, the contestants must undergo a mix of practical and theoretical questions on topics including pruning, netting, machinery, pests and diseases, budgeting, nutrition, wine knowledge and trellising, plus an interview.
The North Island Regional, Hawke’s Bay, South Island Regional, and Central Otago finalists go through to the National Final which is set to be held at Greystone in Waipara on Wednesday, 27 August.
The 2025 New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year will be announced at the New Zealand Wine 2025 Celebration Dinner at Te Pae in Christchurch on August 28.
Marlborough
Anna Kelland from Constellation Brands was named the 2025 Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year – the second consecutive year that she has taken home the title.
Laura Hammond from Babich came in second, and Harry Watson from Berakah Vineyard Management was third.
Other awards went to Isaac Langley from Pecchenino Viticulture, who took out the trellising trophy; and Eilish Herrick from Jeremy Walsh Viticulture, who was awarded the Professional Reputation Award.
Kelland was also presented with the Geoff Warmouth cup for winning the BioStart Hortisports.
Hawke’s Bay
Nick Putt from Craggy Range was named the 2025 Hawke’s Bay Young Viticulturist of the Year title on 5 June.
Having previously taken out the title and then taken a break, Nick returned this year determined to win and go through to represent Hawke’s Bay in the national final.
Heath Miller from Pask Wines came second, and Joe Stenberg from Te Mata Estate was third.
Joe also took out the Ormond Professional Reputation Award for showing great leadership qualities.
Jayden Tamanui from Indevin took out the Ecotrellis trellising prize, and Chelsea Jopson from Constellation Brands won the BioStart Hortisports.
The other contestants, competing for the first time this year, were Lakin Bulled from Vinarchy and Tom MacKenzie from Indevin.
North Island
James Sutcliffe from Craggy Range, Wairarapa, was crowned the 2025 North Island Regional Young Viticulturist of the Year on 12 June.
The competition was open to contestants from Auckland, Northland, Gisborne, and Wairarapa.
Braxton Benseman from Man O’ War Vineyards on Waiheke Island came second, and Gagandeep Singh from Babich in Auckland was third.
Erin Clark from Mudbrick on Waiheke and Daniell Hare from Indevin Gisborne also fared highly in some of the sections.
“We were impressed with the calibre and really positive attitude of all the contestants, who tackled each challenge with determination and a smile,” says Adam Yukich, the Chair for the regional competition.
Braxton also took out the Ormond Professional Reputation Award, impressing the organisers and judges with his willingness to help others and strong communication skills.
James took out the Ecotrellis trellising prize, as well as the BioStart Hortisports, and Gagandeep won the best speech.
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