Nick McArthur. Image courtesy NZ Winegrowers
Nick McArthur from Tiki Wines has been named the 2024 North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year, following a competition held at Waiata Vineyards in Waipara on 18 July. The 25-year-old is operations manager at Tiki Wines and will go on to represent his region in the National Final.
Georgia Mehlhopt from Greystone took second place, with contestants Louis Szigetvary and Piper Eder, both from Tiki Wines, also walking away with section prizes.
The judges described the contestants as “a talented young bunch”. “It’s great to see the passion and expertise in these young people, as they embark on their careers in viticulture,” said the judges.
The young vits were tested on a wide range of topics including pruning, irrigation, machinery, trellising, pest and disease, wine tasting, in addition to undertaking an interview.
In addition to taking out the overall title, Nick McArthur also won the Ecotrellis trellising section and the BioStart Hortisports race. Georgia Mehlhopt won the best speech as well as an NZSVO educational trip for coming second. Louis Szigetvary won the best pruning prize and Piper Eder was awarded the Ormond Professional Reputation Award.
McArthur will head to Escarpment for the 2024 National Final on Wednesday 28 August, when winners from around the country will compete for the overall title of 2024 Young Viticulturist of the Year. The national winner will be announced at the Altogether Unique 2024 industry Celebration Dinner at Te Papa on 29 August.
The prize package for this year’s national winner includes a brand-new Ford Ranger for a year, a $6,000 Ecotrellis Travel Grant and a Leadership Week. A BioStart Hortisports winner will also be announced along with other cash prizes.
Are you a Daily Wine News subscriber? If not, click here to join our mailing list. It’s free!
