Anna does it again

Constellation Brands’ Anna Kelland is Marlborough’s Young Viticulturist of the Year for the second consecutive year.

She came out on top among 10 contestants who were tested on a wide range of both practical and theoretical challenges, including trellising, pruning, irrigation, machinery, pest and disease, nutrition, budgeting, and sitting an interview.

Laura Hammond from Babich finished second, while Harry Watson from Berakah Vineyard Management, who came third ahead of Isaac Langley, Avril Malan, Dan Du, Lizzie McMullen, Eric Bryan, Kris Godsall, and Eilish Herrick.

Anna was presented with the Geoff Warmouth Cup for winning the BioStart Hortisports, while other awards went to Isaac Langley from Pecchenino Viticulture, who took out the Ecotrellis trellising trophy and Eilish Herrick from Jeremy Walsh Viticulture was awarded the Professional Reputation Award presented by Ormond Nurseries.

Anna says this year’s regional competition was incredibly even with returning contestants but is determined to bring the national trophy home this year after taking silver last year.

“Thursday was a really challenging competition and was no advantage from having competed before, but I focused on trying to be just generally speedier and back myself more this year which paid off in the end”, says Anna.

“The national competition changes plenty every year and I’m yet to find out who I’ll be compting against, but I’m super excited to be back with the goal of going one better”.

Despite the pouring rain, the BioStart Hortisports took place in front of a large wine industry crowd and local high school students, who came to support the Young Viticulturists as well as enjoy a sizzling BBQ cooked by the Fruitfed Supplies team. Contestants impressed the judges with their passion for viticulture and ‘can-do’ approach, before delivering some thought-provoking speeches at the Awards Dinner. “With Young Viti being 20 years old, seeing all of the support, throughout the whole process including my supporter club on the day, shows us coming through how important the industry sees this competition”, says Anna.
She will now go through to the National Final to compete against representatives from the winners of the North Island Regional, Hawke’s Bay, South Island Regional, and Central Otago competitions.

Anna won a Fruitfed Supplies Trip plus $1,000 and will compete for even greater prizes at the National Final held at Greystone in Waipara on Wednesday, 27 August, and the 2025 New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year will be announced at the New Zealand Wine 2025 Celebration Dinner at Te Pae in Christchurch on 28 August.