Beginning with Education Days kicking off in May, dates have been set and entries are now open for the 2021 Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year competition. The regional competitions will run throughout June and July and the National Final will be held in Marlborough at the end of August.
“We are excited to be ramping up again for 2021. This is an important initiative which gives many passionate young viticulturists the opportunity to upskill and start making a name for themselves within the New Zealand wine industry,” commented Nicky Grandorge, National Co-Ordinator.
Now in its sixteenth year, the competition tests young vits on everything involved with running a vineyard and being a successful viticultural leader – from soil nutrition and trellising through to budgeting, biosecurity planning and public speaking.
The contestants must undergo a mix of practical and theoretical questions which include pruning, netting, machinery, pests and diseases, budgeting, nutrition, wine knowledge, trellising and an interview. They go head to head in the BioStart Hortisports race, a quickfire buzzer round and also give a speech at the awards dinner.
2020 winner - Rhys Hall
It is a tough but rewarding experience and the winner certainly earns the prestigious title of Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year. There are also some amazing prizes to be won at the regional and national competition.
This year, prizes for the national winner include a Hyundai Kona for a year, an Ecotrellis travel grant, an educational visit to Australia with Corteva, Bahco golden secateurs and other cash prizes.
The winner will also go on to represent the wine industry in the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition in November.
