Marlborough Young Viticulturist

Tahryn Mason from Villa Maria takes out Marlborough Young Vit Competition

Image: Corteva Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year 2022 competitors. L-R: Zac Howell, Villa Maria, Jess Marston, Giesen Group, Tahryn Mason, Villa Maria, Daniel Clearwater, Constellation Brands, Claudia Clark, Constellation Brands, Kris Godsall, Whitehaven Wines. Richard Briggs

Congratulations to Tahryn Mason from Villa Maria who became the 2022 Marlborough Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year on 7 July at the competition held at Giesen House in Rapaura.  He will now go through to the National Final which will also be held in Marlborough at the end of August. 

Tahryn previously competed in the National Final in 2020 when he represented Auckland and was working for Villa Maria, as he was living there although still working for Villa Maria.  Having moved to Marlborough a couple of year ago, he is delighted to now represent the region he now calls home.

It’s been a busy few months for Tahryn as not only has he been studying hard for the competition, but he recently became a father for the first time, making his win feel even more special. 

Congratulations also goes to Jess Marston from Giesen Wines who came second and to Daniel Clearwater from Constellation Brands who came third.  The other contestants Zac Howell from Villa Maria, Claudia Clark from Constellation Brands and Kris Godsall from Whitehaven all impressed the judges with their knowledge, skills and positive, professional attitude throughout the day.

It was a very frosty but sunny start to the day and the contestants threw themselves into the viticultural challenges such as trellising, pruning, machinery, budgeting, nutrition and Pest & Disease.

The BioStart Hortisports attracted a large crowd who also enjoyed a delicious BBQ provided by Fruitfed Supplies.   

Tahryn won $1000 cash, an educational trip with Corteva and an AEG chainsaw. He will now be in with the chance of winning even greater prizes at the National Final.  These include a Hyundai Kona for a year, an Ecotrellis travel grant, an educational visit to Australia with Corteva, Bahco electronic and golden secateurs, AEG power tools and cash. 

The competition is made possible thanks to all the sponsors involved: Corteva Agriscience, BioStart, Ecotrellis, Hyundai, Constellation Brands, Empak, Fruitfed Supplies, Fendt, Ormond Nurseries, Roots, Shoots & Fruits, Klima, Waterforce, Villa Maria-Indevin, Bahco, AEG, NZSVO and Winejobsonline. Wine Marlborough, BDO, Gascoigne Wicks, Hortus, PlaceMakers Rural, Waterforce, JTC Viticulture and our regional speaker sponsor: Harcourts Marlborough