Nick McArthur from Tiki Wines has become the 2024 North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year, following the competition held at Waiata Vineyards in Waipara.
At 25-years-old, Nick McArthur is currently the Operations Manager at Tiki Wines and was delighted to take out the title to go on to represent his region in the National Final.
Other winners on the day included Georgia Mehlhopt from Greystone, who took second place. The other contestants, Louis Szigetvary and Piper Eder, both from Tiki Wines, also walked away with section prizes as well.
“What a talented young bunch,” the judging panel said.
“It’s great to see the passion and expertise in these young people, as they embark on their careers in viticulture.”
The young vits were tested on a wide range of topics including pruning, irrigation, machinery, trellising, pest and disease, wine tasting and undertaking an interview.
The contestants went head-to-head in the BioStart Hortisports race at lunchtime, spurred on by the crowd. Fruitfed Supplies then served up a very welcome hot soup and BBQ. The four young viticulturists delivered their speeches at the Awards Dinner, where the winners were also announced.
There were cash prizes for the winners, as well as other section prizes. 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.
Nick 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 winner will be announced at the Altogether Unique 2024 industry celebration at Te Papa on 29 August. The prize package for this year’s national winner will include a brand new Ford Ranger for a year, a NZD 6,000 Ecotrellis Travel Grant and a Leadership Week. A BioStart Hortisports winner will also be announced along with other cash prizes.
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