Young winemakers across the country are preparing for the 2026 Young Viticulturist of the Year programme, now in its 21st year.
As autumn settles across New Zealand’s wine regions and vineyard leaves shift to shades of gold, a new season of competition is taking shape among the country’s emerging viticultural talent. The Young Viticulturist of the Year programme is once again underway, with participants setting their sights first on regional success and ultimately on claiming the national title in the 2026 Ormond Nurseries New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year competition.
Now in its twentieth year, the programme has become a cornerstone of industry development, supporting more than 250 young professionals across the country. Its longevity reflects both the depth of talent within New Zealand’s wine sector and the strong appetite among participants to test their skills, build networks, and progress their careers. Many competitors return multiple times, driven by a clear ambition to refine their expertise and secure one of the industry’s most respected accolades.
This year’s regional rounds will run from 28 May through to 2 July, spanning key winegrowing areas including Marlborough, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, North Canterbury, and Central Otago. Each event will showcase technical knowledge, practical ability, and problem-solving under pressure, all of which are critical to modern vineyard operations. The competition will culminate in the national final, hosted at Escarpment in Martinborough on 26 August, where the top regional performers will compete for the overall title.
Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Development Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers, highlighted the energy that surrounds the event each year, noting the strong sense of anticipation among contestants, sponsors, and organisers alike.
“There is always a frisson of excitement as the new Young Viticulturist season begins,” said Grandorge.
“The contestants, sponsors and organisers are all raring to go, and there is such a buzz as everyone comes together to support the future viticultural leaders of New Zealand.”
The programme not only celebrates individual excellence but also reinforces the industry’s collective commitment to nurturing its future leaders.
The 2025 title was awarded to Anna Kelland of Constellation Brands in Marlborough, setting a high benchmark for this year’s entrants. Backed by a broad network of industry sponsors, the competition continues to play a vital role in shaping the next generation of viticultural expertise in New Zealand.
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