Nina Downer, Vineyard Supervisor at Felton Road, has become the Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year 2023. As defending champion, she was thrilled to take out the title again, having studied hard over the last few weeks.
Congratulations also go to Katrina O’Reilly from Chard Farm, who came second and Maxine Jing from Burn Cottage, who came third. The other contestants were Hannah Chamberlain, Callum Scarborough, Leach Purchase and Katherine Hirsh.
The competition was held on 12th July at Central Otago Polytechnic in Bannockburn, where the seven contestants rotated around a wide range of viticultural questions and challenges, including pruning, irrigation, trellising, budgeting and an interview.
Six of the seven contestants were women, highlighting that viticulture is an exciting career for both women and men. Stepping up this year as the Regional Chair and also sitting on the National Committee was Annabel Bulk from Felton Road, the national winner in 2018. Several previous contestants are part of the organisational team.
“It’s wonderful to see previous contestants wanting to help others come through and share their passion for viticulture,” said Nicky Grandorge, Leadership and Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers.
“It makes the Young Vit programme and community very special.”
At lunchtime, the contestants went head to head in the BioStart Hortisports race, attracting a large crowd from the local wine industry who enjoyed a BBQ lunch provided by Fruitfed Supplies. A quick-fire quiz followed this.
The Awards Dinner was held at Carrick Winery and Restaurant, where the contestants delivered speeches.
Twenty-four-year-old Downer will represent Central Otago in the National Final in Hawke’s Bay on 30th August. She will compete against Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, and North Canterbury finalists.
Some great prizes were won, including a Fruitfed Supplies Educational Trip and AEG power tools for Downer. Katrina O’Reilly won $750 cash, an NZSVO Educational Experience, and Maxine Jing won $500. Downer also won the BioStart Hortisports and Katrina the Ecotrellis section prizes.
The Ormond Professional Reputation Award went to Katherine Hirsh.
Downer will now have the chance of winning even more fabulous prizes at the National Final. These include a Hyundai Kona for a year, an Ecotrellis travel grant, a Leadership Week, Electrocoup electronic secateurs, AEG power tools, and cash.
The competition was made possible thanks to all the sponsors involved, including BioStart, Ecotrellis, Hyundai, Agritrade, Constellation Brands, Empak, Fruitfed Supplies, Fendt, Klima, Ormond Nurseries, Roots, Shoots & Fruits, Villa Maria-Indevin, Waterforce, AEG, NZSVO, and Winejobsonline.
