Markhams Hawke’s Bay Young Viticulturist of 2010
Markhams Hawke’s Bay Young Viticulturist of 2010 announced
Paul Robinson, a technical officer working with Villa Maria Estate, is the Hawke’s Bay Markhams Young Viticulturist for 2010.
Second-time entrant, Paul, 23, took out the award on Friday against five other local wine industry hopefuls, and two others representing Gisborne and Wairarapa.
He will now represent the region at the national Markhams Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition to be held in Blenheim on 28 August as part of the 2010 Romeo Bragato conference.
To secure his win, Paul took out the Skeltons Vineyard Management section held during the day’s competition at Mission Estate, and performed admirably in a quick fire general knowledge quiz held at the evening’s function, attended by over 100 Hawke’s Bay industry leaders and supporters.
Johnny La Trobe, 25, from Sacred Hill Winery was placed second gained. Johnny won the Hawke’s Bay Harvesting section.
Nick Otto, 27, from Delegates where he works as a technical supervisor, was third. Nick won the Markhams budgeting section, the Fruitfed Supplies pest and disease section, and the Hawke’s Bay Winegrower Inc. speech section when he spoke on the use of social media to sell wine.
The top three received cash prizes and Spiegelau glassware. Paul also receives $1000 in cash.
The national winner will receive a $7000 prize package and will represent viticulture at the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition against other grower sectors.
For the first time, a Gisborne entrant participated in the competition and Matt Fox, 24, who currently works for Moana Park in Hawke’s Bay, gained sufficient points to represent his region at the final. Matt took out the Pernod Ricard pruning and yields section, and the Biostart Horty Sports fun section.
Marj Hurley, 25, from Villa Maria Estate, took out the Vineyard Plants Nursery, Norwood Machinery, and Gale Pacific Bird Control sections,
Wairarapa entrant Rowan Hoskins, 25, did not qualify for the national final.
ENDS