Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the year turns 20

Celebrating talent, tenacity, and the next generation of wine industry leaders

On Thursday May 29, ten young viticulturists will roll up their sleeves and step into the spotlight for the 2025 Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year competition. This year is extra special as it marks 20 years since the event began, making it a milestone moment for Marlborough’s wine community. What started in 2006 as a small initiative to support up-and-coming talent has become one of the most respected industry events in the region. It’s helped launch careers, foster lifelong industry connections, and spotlight Marlborough as a leader in growing future viticultural talent. With a strong history of success, Marlborough has produced some of the country’s finest viticultural talent through this event, including national title winners Marcus Wickham (2006), Simon Bishell (2008), Stuart Dudley (2010), Rhys Hall (2020), and Taryn Mason (2022).

David Bullivant, Chair of the Marlborough Young Viticultural Committee and Viticultural Manager at Babich Wines, says the competition’s long-standing success speaks volumes. “The event is successful because it is supported by an enthusiastic organising committee, generous sponsors and wine industry service providers. And wine companies (and contractors) that encourage their staff to explore their potential and improve their skills by competing in the Young Viticulturist Competition.”

David also credits the wine community, sponsors, and service providers for keeping the event going – even through tough times like Covid. “The success of the competition is real and clearly illustrated by the increasing number of entrants. Part of this success is the continuous improvement each year of the event by the committee. The competition has grown from 80-100 people attending the awards dinner six years ago to 200 people this week. Initiatives over the past decade have included the brave move to the Convention Centre, focus on a more visual experience for attendees at the awards dinner with large screens and photos, some inspirational speakers, and a quiz that engages the audience (Kahoots). Some changes are small and others are more visible. For example, the committee arranged a V.I.N.E (Viticultural Information Networking Evening) two years ago to recruit new competitors in a semi-social environment and also a Question Session over beer and pizza for contestants two weeks prior to the event.”

“The Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year is arguable one of the most important events in the regions wine industry calendar,” David continues. “Its entertaining, it exposes the next generation of viticultural talent, the event and it provides a great opportunity for people to network with friends and work colleagues.”

With the event to be held at Whitehaven Winery, Sue White, Whitehaven founder and managing director says, “I’m really looking forward to hosting the Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition here at Whitehaven again. The competition has always been a great way to showcase innovation and creativity from the younger generation of viticulturists, and I believe that’s the most valuable thing to come out of it each year, rather than the result itself. That being said, I do want to wish the best of luck to our contestant Dan Du. Whitehaven will be cheering her along from the ‘sidelines’. Go Dan!”

Laura Hammond, a vineyard supervisor at Babich Wines is a third-time competitor and in her final year of eligibility, Laura says she is very much looking forward to immersing herself in the event. “I have gotten a lot of value from previous years and have been studying hard and focusing on certain aspects of the competition. I feel that being a part of Young Vit has really helped to round out my skillset.” The annual event holds great meaning for the competitors, Laura explains. “The competition is fantastic, both for the region and the industry as a whole. It is a great motivational opportunity for young viticulturalists to connect not only with each other but also with the sponsors and people from other wineries.”

Last year’s regional winner, Anna Kelland, agrees. A viticulture technician for Constellation Brands, Anna will be returning this year to defend her regional title. “I’ve had a lot of people excited about the opportunity to compete again and have another crack at the national title! Now that I know what to expect my goal is to speed my work up and cover as many bases as I can within the timeframe.” When asked about what the competition means to the industry as a whole, Anna says, the impact is massive. “All of us come from different areas within the industry, and it gives us the opportunity to learn about each other's roles and gain a wider perspective on what we all do, and the different ways things can be done. We also get to hear from past competitors, and the feedback has always been really positive. With the event celebrating 20 years, I strongly believe that the time that has been invested has definitely helped the growth of the industry and supporting the next generation of viticulturalists coming through.”

The event promises to be both exciting and entertaining, says David. Contestants will tackle eight modules, each designed to test their theoretical knowledge and practical skills. “These modules are designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the contestants' capabilities, reflecting the multifaceted nature of viticulture.” The modules encompass various essential aspects of viticulture including vine maintenance, managing vineyard finances efficiently, irrigation use, and knowledge of trellis systems and their maintenance. Pest and diseases cover identifying and managing vineyard threats, and machinery emphasises operating vineyard machinery safely and effectively. the interview module showcases contestants' communication skills and industry knowledge, and nutrition delves into understanding vine nutrition and soil health.

The competition day will culminate in an awards evening with the awards dinner and some light-hearted entertainment. “This week year we are celebrating the 20th consecutive Marlborough Young Viticulturist Competition. The importance of this achievement should not be underestimated. For example, where will you be when this event celebrates its 40th competition? The theme of this year's awards dinner is all about recognising this milestone.” There will be a panel of contestants from the events first decade (2006-2015) – and contestants from the second decade (2016-2025) discussing various viticultural topics in a “7 Days” comedy game show style for entertainment.

Nicky Grandorge, leadership and community's manager for New Zealand Winegrowers, says the 20-year anniversary is a moment worth both celebrating, and reflecting on. “We’re incredibly grateful to the sponsors and organisers who’ve helped shape the programme over the years. It’s special to think of how many Young Vits have competed and gone on to build successful careers. Many of them now give back, creating a strong and supportive community.” This year’s regional winner will head to the national final in August, held at Greystone, with a major celebration planned in

September to mark the 20-year milestone. Paul Robinson, a former winner himself, has stepped into the role of National Chair and is leading the programme into its next chapter.

The Marlborough Young Viticulturist competition isn’t just about crowning a winner – it’s about recognising potential, championing growth, and celebrating the people who will shape the future of New Zealand wine. Who will take the title this year? We’ll find out soon. But one thing is certain – Marlborough’s next generation of viticulturists is in very good hands.