Lamain man: Young vintner returning to nationals
Nick Lamain holds the trophy for Marlborough Young Winemaker of the Year at the competition’s awards ceremony on 15 July. Photo: NZ Wine
Nick Lamain secured another opportunity for national acclaim by winning the 2026 Marlborough Young Winemaker of the Year competition last Wednesday (15 July) in Blenheim.
Nick, from Isabel Estate, returns to the National Finals for the second time in three years; he will compete in Martinborough on 25 August.
“I’m thrilled,” he said of the result at Marlborough Research Centre.
From the field of 10, Katasha Pearce from Saint Clair Family Estate placed second and Paiqi Cao from Indevin placed third. They participated in blending, laboratory work, wine judging, presentations, an interview and a demonstration of their industry knowledge.
Nick won the wine judging section, while Jamie Howe from Nautilus Estate won the laboratory and speech sections. Katasha Pearce won People’s Choice for her rosé blend.