New Vintage: Good thyme for viticulturist Nina Downer
The ability to follow her fruit from vineyard to winery is just one of the things Nina Downer loves about working with a smaller producer.
Regional competitions for the 2021 Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year will be held over the next two months, with the national final in Marlborough at the end of August.
"We are excited to be ramping up again for 2021," says Nicky Grandorge, National Coordinator. "This is an important initiative which gives many passionate young viticulturists the opportunity to upskill and start making a name for themselves within the New Zealand wine industry."
Now in its 16th year, the competition tests young viticulturists on everything involved with running a vineyard and being a successful viticultural leader, from soil nutrition and trelising to budgeting, biosecurity planning and public speaking.
They also have to think on their feet in the BioStart Hortisports race where the challenges are never predictable.
Dates:
3 June - Auckland, Waiheke
10 June - Hawke's Bay
17 June - Wairarapa
1 July Marlborough
8 July - South Island Regional, held in North Canterbury
15 July - Central Otago
25-26 August - National Final, Marlborough