Dates set for the 2018 Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition
Now in its thirteenth year, the Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition has become an important fixture in the
wine industry calendar. Its purpose is to grow the future of the New Zealand wine industry and it is a fantastic
opportunity for Young Vits (30 yrs or under) to upskill, grow in confidence and widen their network. It is a tough
competition testing all aspects of vineyard management, but for those who enter, a very rewarding experience.
The competition continues to grow and this year sees a sixth regional competition being added. The South Island Regional
Competition is for contestants from Nelson, Canterbury and Waitaki. This year it will be held in Waipara.
National Co-ordinator, Nicky Grandorge says “It is exciting to see the competition growing further and feel the positive
buzz it creates around the country as the wine community comes together to encourage these talented young vits.”
The competition is run entirely on the generosity of sponsors who not only support the competition financially, but also
with their time and expertise. A huge thank you to Bayer, who have signed up as our Naming Rights sponsor again for the
next two years, as well the following – AGMARDT, BioStart, Hyundai, Bahco, Biomin, Constellation, Fendt, Fruitfed
Supplies, Ecotrellis, Empak, Ormond Nurseries, Waterforce, Villa Maria, NZ Winegrowers, NZSVO, Winejobsonline.
Tim Adams from the Auckland/Northern region was the Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year 2017. Who will it be this
year?
Dates for the 2018 competitions are:
AUCKLAND/NORTHERN – Friday 8th June 2018
SOUTH ISLAND REGIONAL – Friday 16th June 2018
HAWKE’S BAY - Thursday 21st June 2018
WAIRARAPA – Thursday 5th July 2018
MARLBOROUGH - Friday 13th July 2018
CENTRAL OTAGO – Friday 20th July 2018
NATIONAL FINAL - w/c 27 August 2018
The National Final practical day will be held in the Wairarapa and then in conjunction with Bragato in Wellington.
For more information or an entry form please contact: Nicky Grandorge, National Co-ordinator at youngvit@nzwine.com, 021 780948
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