Young Vit Leadership Week kicks off in Martinborough
Every two years, the last two winners of the Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year competition embark on an amazing week
meeting some of New Zealand’s top wine industry leaders as well as those from other industry sectors. It is a fantastic
opportunity to learn from pioneers, CEO’s, Board members and this year also from a highly acclaimed conductor.
Caleb Dennis, Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year 2015 and Cameron Price the winner from 2016 begin their national
tour in Martinborough on 20 February 2017 where they meet with some of the region’s early pioneers and senior
viticulturists including Phyll and Clive Paton from Ata Rangi, Larry McEnna from Escarpment and Nick Hoskins from Vine
Managers.
They then head to Wellington to meet with New Zealand Winegrowers’ External Relations Manager, Nicola Crennan, who
liaises regularly with government, as well as meeting with Tim Ritchie, CEO of the Meat Board, one of New Zealand’s
other key export industries.
The tour continues to Nelson then Auckland, again learning how to overcome challenges and reach goals by meeting with
some of the industry’s legends, leaders and Board members. These include Herman Seifried, Judy Finn, Brent Marris,
Michael Brajkovich MW, Chris Towns, Philip Gregan and Steve Green. In Auckland they will also sit in on a rehearsal of
the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and learn how conductor Giordano Bellincampi leads and brings together 70+ people to
work for a truly harmonious result.
Finally they fly to Central Otago and spend a couple of days being inspired by some of the amazing people who have
developed a now world famous wine region in a place where the conditions for viticulture are right on the edge. This
will be a great lesson in determination and thinking big, as they meet Gareth King of Felton Road, Rudi Bauer of Quartz
Reef and Robin Dicey of Ceres.
A fantastic week for our future leaders to listen, learn and grow.
- Ends -