Events

The Corteva Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition 2021 is now in its 16th year and is taking place on Thursday 1st 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.

6 pm - Thursday 1 July 2021, Marlborough Convention Centre, 42 Alfred Street, Blenheim

Support the Corteva Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year 2021 Contestants.

Cheer them on as they deliver their speeches and go head-to-head in a quick fire Quiz and hear from Olympian, and America's Cup sailor Joseph Sullivan.

Included is a three-course meal provided by Local Culinary hero Sander De Wildt, Karaka Cuisine. Beverages including non-alcoholic provided.

Tickets available from $110+gst pp.

Click here to purchase tickets

Growing the future of the New Zealand wine industry. 

The Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition is now in its 16th year. This initiative 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 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]

The Marlborough Wine Show is an event dedicated to showcasing and celebrating NewZealand’s leading wine region. It reviews and assesses wines produced from Marlborough grapes, using panels of experienced judges and rewards top-performing wines with trophies, gold, silver and bronze medals.

The Marlborough Wine Show reviews and assesses wines produced from Marlborough grapes, using panels of experienced judges and rewards top-performing wines with trophies, gold, silver and bronze medals. The show provides a relevant, credible platform for producers to promote their wines and is also a celebration of excellence – not only of the wines, but of the Marlborough industry as a whole.

The Marlborough Wine Show was established in 2011 to demonstrate to international media and markets, the significant sub-regional and style diversity of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and to showcase the region’s wide range of other grape varieties and respective wine styles.