Haere Ra 2024: Waiheke
Leon Henson, Vineyard Manager at Batch Winery and Auckland's Young Viticulturist of the Year 2024, looks at the year that was.
The first Young Viticulturist Competition began in 2006, with regional competitions throughout New Zealand culminating in the Finals, which were held in conjunction with the Romeo Bragato Conference.
The competition, which aims to foster future leaders in the viticulture industry, is now in its tenth year. This is the first year that Bayer has been the naming rights sponsor.
"We wanted to make a bigger contribution to the future of the industry and strongly believe that supporting young leaders is the best approach. This is what the Young Viticulturist of the Year competition is all about and why we've stepped up our support," says Holger Detje, Bayer NZ managing director.
"It not only gives participants extra knowledge and confidence, but also the opportunity to meet other young 'vits' from around the country, to share ideas and to network. This in turn benefits the wider industry, now and in the future."
The competition kicks off in June with the regional finals held in New Zealand's main grape growing areas: Hawkes Bay, Central Otago, Marlborough and Martinborough.
The overall winner will receive $2000 cash, $5000 travel and a spot in the Young Horticulturist of the Year Grand Final.
Further information on the competition can be found on www.facebook.com/YoungViticulturist.
