The North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the year 2023 has been announced. Vinyard manager at The Bone Line Tristan Van Schalkwykhas become the North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the year.
The South Island Regional competition is open to Nelson, Waitaki, and North Canterbury contestants.
Congratulations also go to Nick McArthur from Tiki Wines, who came second and Georgia Mehlhopt from Greystone, who came third. The other contestants were Mick Boon, Petra Henry, Cole Hughes and Lucy Gardiner.
This was the first time most of the contestants had competed in the competition, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and looked forward to returning to compete again next year. The competition was held on 20 July at Greystone in Waipara. Despite the weather deteriorating late morning, nobody was deterred, and judges were impressed with how the contestants continued to give it their all, smiling through the wind and rain.
“Their positive, professional attitude is an asset to them and will take them far,” said Nicky Grandorge, Leadership and Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers.
The support of the sponsors, judges and regional organisers was also hugely appreciated as they encouraged the contestants and kept everything on track despite the weather.
“It highlighted the strong community spirit which makes Young Vit special.”
Fruitfed Supplies provided some welcome hot soup at lunchtime and a delicious BBQ. The contestants then went head to head in the BioStart Hortisports race and had a quick-fire quiz.
The Awards Dinner was held in the Greystone Restaurant, where the contestants delivered their speeches, and local wine industry members enjoyed an exquisite meal along with premium North Canterbury wines.
Van Schalkwyk, 23, will represent North Canterbury in the National Final in Hawke’s Bay on 30 August. He will compete against Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and Central Otago finalists.
Some great prizes were won, including a Fruitfed Supplies Educational Trip and AEG power tools for Van Schalkwyk. Nick McArthur won $750 cash, an NZSVO Educational Trip, and Georgia Mehlhopt won $500.
Van Schalkwyk also won the Ecotrellis trellising section, and Georgia won the BioStart Hortisports. The Ormond Professional Reputation Award went to Petra Henry.
Van Schalkwyk will now have the chance to win even more incredible 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 is made possible thanks to all the sponsors involved: BioStart, Ecotrellis, Hyundai, Agritrade, Constellation Brands, Empak, Fruitfed Supplies, Fendt, Klima, Ormond Nurseries, Roots, Shoots and Fruits, Indevin, Waterforce, AEG, NZSVO and Winejobsonline.
