Events

The Corteva Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition 2022 is now in its 17th year and is taking place on 7th July. This competition provides a fantastic opportunity for viticulturists 30 years or under to upskill, grow in confidence, widen their network and start making a name for themselves within the industry.

Eight young Marlborough contestants will undergo a mix of practical and theoretical questions which include pruning, irrigation, machinery, pests and diseases, budgeting, nutrition, trellising and an interview. They go head-to-head in the BioStart Hortisports event, a quickfire quiz as well as give a speech at the awards dinner.

The winner of the regional competition will then move on to compete in the National competition against six other regions.

We invite you to come down to the spectator Biostart Hortisports event taking place at 12pm, Giesen house, 47 Stump Creek Road, Blenheim.

Growing the future of the New Zealand wine industry. 

The Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition provides a fantastic opportunity for Young Viticulturists (30 years or under) to upskill, grow in confidence, widen their network and start making a name for themselves within the industry.

The competition is based on six regional competitions, culminating in a national final. Please visit the website for a full list of all region competition dates and full terms and conditions. 

Education Days will run around the country during June to help prepare the contestants for the competition. 

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.  

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.

The Corteva Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition 2022 Celebration Dinner

Support the Corteva Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year 2022 Contestants! Cheer them on as they deliver their speeches and go head-to-head in a quickfire Quiz! Hear from Professional athlete and Captain of the Balance Vector - the highly successful New Zealand Adventure Racing Team - Nathan Fa’avae. Tickets are $120+gst pp. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets

The competition is run entirely on the generosity of sponsors who not only support the competition financially but also with their time and expertise.  A huge thank you to the competition's National sponsors.

This competition began in 2005 and is open to all young vits, (30 years or under). For contestants it is a chance to pit themselves against their peers, through a range of practical and theoretical situations. For all who take part, it is a confidence and skill builder that is transferred back into the country’s vineyards. Competitions are held in six regions around New Zealand before the national final.

To register for one of the Young Viticulturist Education days click HERE.

Please note this link is only accessible to members. If you are not an nzwine member and wish to receive more info about our Education Days please email [email protected]

6 pm - Thursday 7 July 2022, Marlborough Events Centre, 42 Alfred Street, Blenheim 

Support the Corteva Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year 2022 Contestants. 

Cheer them on as they deliver their speeches and go head-to-head in a quickfire Quiz! Hear from Professional athlete and Captain of the Balance Vector - the highly successful New Zealand Adventure Racing Team - Nathan Fa’avae 

Included is a three-course meal provided by Karaka Cuisine. Beverages including non-alcoholic provided.  

Tickets available from $120+gst pp.  

Click here to purchase tickets 

For emerging winemakers, the Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year Competition is an opportunity to strengthen their skills and become future leaders within the winemaking community.

Founded in Marlborough in 2014, the competition has grown to become an important event for the wine industry. It is open to anyone aged 30 or under who is involved in wine production.

Contestants are tested on a wide range of skills and knowledge, all relating to winemaking.

The winner of the Tonnellerie de Mercurey Marlborough Young Winemaker of the Year Competition will carry on to compete in the National final against the other regions.

The competition is made possible thanks to the generosity of our National sponsors.  

Join The Tonnellerie de Mercurey Marlborough Young Winemaker of the Year Competition committee, previous contestants, winners, and sponsors for an evening of information drinks and nibbles. Learn all about the history of the competition, the 2022 event and hear from a previous National winner. All those under 30 involved with wine production are welcome. RSVP here 

The role of the Tonnellerie de Mercurey NZ Young Winemaker of the Year Competition is to support up and coming winemakers, create networking opportunities and build a strong emerging Young Winemaker community. 

The competition is open to those under 30 involved with wine production. This includes cellar hands, cellar managers, those working in the laboratory, assistant winemakers and winemakers. If places are available, those studying for a degree in winemaking may also be able to compete and are certainly welcome to any associated events.

The Young Winemaker competition aims to help ambitious and passionate young people become future leaders of the NZ wine industry.  It is a fantastic opportunity for emerging young winemakers to grow, develop and advance their careers.

The competition tests the contestants on a wide range of skills and knowledge required in the winemaking process.  For example blending, laboratory tests, viticultural knowledge, tasting analysis, Health & Safety, presentation skills and market knowledge.