Congratulations to Zoe Marychurch from Bell Hill who won the Bayer South Island Regional Young Viticulturist of the Year competition on Friday 15th June.
This is a new regional competition added to the Young Vit competition this year and is open to contestants from Nelson, Canterbury and Waitaki.
The winner goes through to represent their own region so Marychurch will represent North Canterbury in the national final in August.
Four contestants battled it out at Greystone in Waipara – three from North Canterbury and one from Nelson.
“The calibre of the contestants was high and it was great to see their enthusiasm and passion for viticulture evident throughout the day,” said Nicky Grandorge, national co-ordinator.
They were tested on a wide range of skills including budgeting, trellising, pruning and pests and diseases.
Congratulations also goes to Sam Pearce from Waipara Hills who came a very close second and also to Blake Tahapehi from Spencer Hill, Nelson who won the Biostart Hortisports.
The awards dinner was held at Black Estate, where the contestants gave their speeches whilst the local wine community enjoyed an exquisite dinner and fine wines kindly donated from North Canterbury and Nelson wineries.
Marychurch is thrilled to represent North Canterbury, having been born in the region.
She will go on to compete against five other contestants from Northland, Hawke’s Bay, Central Otago, Wairarapa and Marlborough.
The national winner receives a prize package including a Hyundai Kona for a year, $5000 AGMARDT Travel Grant, $2000 cash, Bahco golden secateurs, glassware and a leadership week where the winner travels New Zealand to meet influential people from the within the wine industry as well as learn from leaders of other industries.
