Dingying Jiang from Kahiwi has been named the 2025 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Central Otago Young Winemaker of the Year Award.
The Central Otago winemaker won following the competition held on 31 July at VinPro in Cromwell.
Congratulations were also given to Paiqi Cao from Amisfield, who came second, and Maia Wylie from Monte Christo, who came third.
The other contestants were Emma Lloyd, Greystone; Felix Jordan, Gibbston Valley, and Celina Viazzi Zabalza, Amisfield. All six contestants came top in at least one section, demonstrating the high calibre of emerging young winemakers in the region.
Jiang won the Constellation Brands Laboratory Section as well as the blending and wine knowledge sections; Maia took out the Indevin Wine Judging Section, and Emma won the In Market Presentation Section; Felix the Cellar Challenge; Paiqi the Essay section, as well as being awarded the Professional Reputation Award. Celina took out the Vin Olympics at lunchtime. This was followed by a sizzling Fruitfed Supplies BBQ.
The final challenge was to give their Fruitfed Supplies Speech at the Awards Dinner held at the Stoaker Room, and this was won by Emma Lloyd, who argued whether wine was made in the vineyard or the winery, concluding it was a happy marriage between the two.
As the overall winner, Jiang won a NZD 1,000 cash prize and a Fruitfed Supplies Field Trip. Cao won NZD 750 cash for coming second, and Wylie won NZD 500 for placing third.
Jiang will head to the National Final at Lincoln University on 26 August to compete against the winners from the Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay competitions. The national finalists will then deliver their speeches at the New Zealand Wine 2025 Celebration Dinner held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre on 28 August, when the overall winner will also be announced.
“I won’t let Central Otago down”, she said, determined to bring the trophy back to the region. Having worked overseas as well as in Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough, she has now settled in Central Otago.
“I’ve fallen in love with this beautiful region and its unique energy”.
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