Image: Lacey Agate

After a tough day in the vineyards, Lacey Agate from Bellbird Spring became the Corteva North Young Viticulturist of the Year 2020 on July 31, following the competition held at Greystone in Waipara.

Congratulations also goes to Will Bowman from Black Estate who was Runner Up.

There were four contestants competing in total, the other two being Brigitte Allan from Pyramid Valley and Lucas Percy from Pegasus Bay, who gave it their all.

The Young Vitis were tested on all aspects of vineyard management, including trellising, pruning, machinery, pests and diseases and budgeting.

The contestants’ last challenge of the day was to give a three minute speech to the audience, covering topics such as regenerative agriculture and tractorless vineyards.

Agate will go on to represent North Canterbury in the national final in October, which is being held in Martinborough this year.

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