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Otago Daily Times
05-08-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Central Otago Young Viticulturist winner announced
Carrick vineyard manager Damon Lovell. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Every year I bring attention to both the Young Viticulturist and Young Winemaker competitions as these young men and women are the future of our wine industry; the skills they hone now will be influential in the wines they craft for us in the future. The Central Otago leg of the competition took place in early July at Otago Polytechnic's Central Campus in Bannockburn, contestants rotating around various challenges, including irrigation, nutrition, pest and disease, first aid, budgeting, machinery, pruning, wine tasting, and undertaking an interview. A large wine industry crowd gathered at lunchtime to cheer on the contestants during the BioStart Hortisports race before enjoying a Fruitfed Supplies barbecue. Later that evening contestants delivered their speeches at the awards dinner held at Carrick. Congratulations to Carrick vineyard manager Damon Lovell, who took out the title of 2025 Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year. Damon will now go on to represent Otago in the national finals at the end of August. Congratulations also go to Felix Jordan, of Gibbston Valley Winery, who was second, and Matt Hurnen, of Rippon Vineyard, who came third, both taking out some of the challenging sections through the course of the day. Kudos to all who took part. Vintage 2025 in Central Otago Every year Phil Handford, of Grasshopper Rock, and Misha Wilkinson, of Misha's Vineyard, send me vintage summaries which I find fascinating reading. This year, Phil has collated data across the past couple of decades to give context to the harvest. In 1991, the Central grape harvest was a mere 56 tonnes. In 2025, it was 8700 tonnes though that was well down from the recent peak of nearly 12,600 tonnes in 2022 due to the impact of frost in November last year. The land under vine has remained relatively static since 2012, though has undergone a small boost in the past couple of years rising to a figure of 2163ha. Pinot Noir remains the dominant grape, making up a little under 80% of the harvest on average, with Pinot Gris well back in second spot, Riesling the big loser. Pinot Noir yield per hectare is the lowest since 2010 (again that frost impact), but while volumes will be down, quality looks to be good. If you are keen to take a deep dive into the data, visit the blog page on the Grasshopper Rock website. International Pinot Noir Day All this talk of Central and Pinot Noir is timely as International Pinot Day is August 18. Crack open a bottle to celebrate and these three may add to the temptation! 2022 Te Kano Land Series Northburn Pinot Noir RRP $85 Price Rating Outstanding Gorgeous nose, hints of humus/funk, florality, schist, mixed berryfruits. Vibrant and fresh, fragrant herbs, spices, mineral, ripe fruit yet not dominating, all framed by great structure and crisp acidity. Superfluous hunting for individuals components as this simply works so well as a whole. Fresh, youthful, beguiling, you are left craving another glass. 2022 Nanny Goat Super Nanny Central Otago Pinot Noir RRP $85 Price Rating Excellent to Outstanding Beautiful florality and perfume lead, smoke, charcuterie, all tied together by the fruit. In the mouth this shows its intent, the tannic backbone growing but not dominating, great depth of flavour but light on its feet. Flecks of dried strawberry on the close. Real elegance, refinement, marvellous length and a sense of quiet completeness to this. Super wine. 2021 Misha's Vineyard Verismo Central Otago Pinot Noir RRP $85 Price Rating Outstanding Wonderfully perfumed nose, lifted and brightened by a wisp of balsamic, on a backdrop of red fruits and wild herb. Firmly structured in a good way, again flavour depth without ever seeming heavy, dry, graphite hints, wonderful length. Quite serious and would be a superb accompaniment to food. Great flow through the mouth, the flavours hanging on the close.
Scoop
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Dingying Jiang From Kahiwi Is The 2025 Central Otago Young Winemaker Of The Year
Press Release – New Zealand Winegrowers Dingying won the Constellation Brands Laboratory Section as well as the blending and wine knowledge sections; Maia took out the Indevin Wine Judging Section, and Emma won the In Market Presentation Section; Felix the Cellar Challenge; Paiqi the … Congratulations to Dingying Jiang from Kahiwi who became the 2025 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Central Otago Young Winemaker of the Year following the competition held on 31 July at VinPro in Cromwell. Congratulations also go to Paiqi Cao from Amisfield, who came second, and Maia Wylie from Monte Christo, who came third. The other contestants were Emma Lloyd, Greystone; Felix Jordan, Gibbston Valley, and Celina Viazzi Zabalza, Amisfield. All six contestants came top in at least one section, demonstrating the high calibre of emerging young winemakers in the region. Dingying won the Constellation Brands Laboratory Section as well as the blending and wine knowledge sections; Maia took out the Indevin Wine Judging Section, and Emma won the In Market Presentation Section; Felix the Cellar Challenge; Paiqi the Essay section, as well as being awarded the Professional Reputation Award. Celina took out the Vin Olympics at lunchtime. This was followed by a sizzling Fruitfed Supplies BBQ. The final challenge was to give their Fruitfed Supplies Speech at the Awards Dinner held at the Stoaker Room, and this was won by Emma Lloyd, who argued whether wine was made in the vineyard or the winery, concluding it was a happy marriage between the two. As the overall winner, Dingying won a $1,000 cash prize and a Fruitfed Supplies Field Trip. Paiqi won $750 cash for coming second, and Maia won $500 for placing third. Dingying will head to the National Final at Lincoln University on 26 August to compete against the winners from the Marlborough and Hawke's Bay competitions. The national finalists will then deliver their speeches at the New Zealand Wine 2025 Celebration Dinner held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre on 28 August, when the overall winner will also be announced. 'I won't let Central Otago down', she says, determined to bring the trophy back to the region. Having worked overseas as well as in Hawke's Bay and Marlborough, she has now settled in Central Otago and says, 'I've fallen in love with this beautiful region and its unique energy'. The finalists will compete not only for the prestigious title of the 2025 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year, but also for an amazing prize package which includes a visit to the Tonnellerie de Mercurey (cooperage) in Burgundy, being an associate judge in the New World Wine Awards, and reviewing wines in DrinksBiz magazine. There is also the opportunity for the finalists to win prizes for the Constellation Laboratory Section, the Indevin Wine Judging Section, and the best Fruitfed Supplies Speech. The competition is made possible thanks to the generous support of all our sponsors: Tonnellerie de Mercurey, Fruitfed Supplies, Constellation Brands, Indevin, FMG, Lab Supply, Laffort, Tira Crown, Visy, Winejobsonline, New World, New Zealand Winegrowers, The New Zealand Society for Viticulture and Oenology (NZSVO), and Pacific Rim Oenology.
Scoop
25-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Thalia Osborne Wins 2025 North Island Young Winemaker Of The Year
Congratulations to Thalia Osborne from Ash Ridge who was announced as the 2025 Tonnellerie de Mercurey North Island Young Winemaker of the Year following the competition held on 24 July at EIT in Hawke's Bay. She is thrilled her hard work has paid off and earned her a place at the national finals. Congratulations also goes to Toby Priestley from Linden Estate in Esk Valley who came second. There were four contestants in total, the others being Mikaela Salmon from Ash Ridge and Caitlyn Moeller from EIT. All the contestants took out a section, highlighting their strong winemaking skills and knowledge. Amongst other sections, Thalia won the Indevin Wine Judging Section and the Fruitfed Supplies Best Speech. Caitlyn won the Constellation Brands Laboratory Section; Toby took out the Judges Choice and In Market sections where the contestants had to create a Bordeaux blend suitable for the US market and pitch it to a panel of judges; and Mikaela won the Vin Olympics which took place in front of a crowd at lunchtime. This was followed by a gourmet BBQ prepared by Fruitfed Supplies. As the overall winner, Thalia, won a Fruitfed Supplies Field Trip, wine storage with a Personal Cellar for a year and $1,000 cash. Toby won $750 cash, as well as other wine related prizes. Thalia will compete in the National Final at Lincoln University on 26 August. The national finalists will then deliver their speeches at the New Zealand Wine 2025 Celebration Dinner at Te Pae on 28 August, when the overall winner will also be announced. The finalists will compete not only for the prestigious title of the 2025 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year, but also an amazing prize package which includes a visit to the Tonnellerie de Mercurey (cooperage) in Burgundy, be an associate judge in the New World Wine Awards and review wines in DrinksBiz magazine. There is also the opportunity for the finalists to win prizes for the Constellation Laboratory Section, the Indevin Wine Judging Section and the best Fruitfed Supplies Speech. The competition is made possible thanks to all the generous national sponsors: Tonnellerie de Mercurey, Fruitfed Supplies, Constellation Brands, Indevin, FMG, Lab Supply, Laffort, Tira Crown, Visy, Winejobsonline, New Zealand Winegrowers, New World, NZSVO and Pacific Rim Oenology.
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
James Sutcliffe Wins North Island Regional Young Viticulturist Of The Year
Press Release – New Zealand Winegrowers Congratulations to James Sutcliffe from Craggy Range, Wairarapa, who was crowned the 2025 North Island Regional Young Viticulturist of the Year on 12 June. This competition was open to contestants from Auckland, Northland, Gisborne, and Wairarapa. James represented Wairarapa in the 2024 national final and was delighted to take out the win for his region. Congratulations also to Braxton Benseman from Man O' War Vineyards on Waiheke Island, who came second, and Gagandeep Singh from Babich in Auckland, who came third, demonstrating their wide range of skills and viticultural knowledge. Erin Clark from Mudbrick on Waiheke and Daniell Hare from Indevin Gisborne also fared highly in some of the sections. 'We were impressed with the calibre and really positive attitude of all the contestants, who tackled each challenge with determination and a smile' says Adam Yukich, the Chair for this regional competition. Braxton also took out the Ormond Professional Reputation Award, impressing the organisers and judges with his willingness to help others and strong communication skills. James took out the Ecotrellis trellising prize, as well as the BioStart Hortisports, and Gagandeep won the best speech. The competition took place under the rainbows at Batch Winery on Waiheke, where the contestants rotated around various challenges including nutrition, pest and disease, budgeting, machinery, irrigation, pruning, and undertaking an interview. The contestants went head to head in the BioStart Hortisports, which was followed by a sausage sizzle provided by Fruitfed Supplies. The contestants finally delivered their speeches at the Awards Dinner, also held at Batch Winery, where guests enjoyed a range of local wines and a delicious meal in the restaurant by the fire. This makes two wins for Craggy Range, two weeks in a row, as Nick Putt from their Gimblett Gravels site won the Hawke's Bay competition last week. The 2025 National Final will be held at Greystone in Waipara on Wednesday, 27 August, and the 2025 New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year will be announced at the New Zealand Wine 2025 Celebration Dinner at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre on 28 August. The national finalists will have the opportunity to compete for some great prizes, including a $6000 Ecotrellis Travel Grant, a Leadership Week, and tickets to the Cool Climate Symposium. A BioStart Hortisports winner will also be announced, along with other cash prizes. The competition is made possible thanks to the following generous sponsors: BioStart, Ecotrellis, Ford, Fruitfed Supplies, Agritrade, Clemens, Constellation Brands, Delegat, Empak, Fendt, Indevin, Klima, Ormond Nurseries, Roots, Shoots & Fruits, Waterforce, NZSVO, New Zealand Winegrowers, and Winejobsonline.
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
James Sutcliffe Wins North Island Regional Young Viticulturist Of The Year
Press Release – New Zealand Winegrowers The competition took place under the rainbows at Batch Winery on Waiheke, where the contestants rotated around various challenges including nutrition, pest and disease, budgeting, machinery, irrigation, pruning, and undertaking an interview. Congratulations to James Sutcliffe from Craggy Range, Wairarapa, who was crowned the 2025 North Island Regional Young Viticulturist of the Year on 12 June. This competition was open to contestants from Auckland, Northland, Gisborne, and Wairarapa. James represented Wairarapa in the 2024 national final and was delighted to take out the win for his region. Congratulations also to Braxton Benseman from Man O' War Vineyards on Waiheke Island, who came second, and Gagandeep Singh from Babich in Auckland, who came third, demonstrating their wide range of skills and viticultural knowledge. Erin Clark from Mudbrick on Waiheke and Daniell Hare from Indevin Gisborne also fared highly in some of the sections. 'We were impressed with the calibre and really positive attitude of all the contestants, who tackled each challenge with determination and a smile' says Adam Yukich, the Chair for this regional competition. Braxton also took out the Ormond Professional Reputation Award, impressing the organisers and judges with his willingness to help others and strong communication skills. James took out the Ecotrellis trellising prize, as well as the BioStart Hortisports, and Gagandeep won the best speech. The competition took place under the rainbows at Batch Winery on Waiheke, where the contestants rotated around various challenges including nutrition, pest and disease, budgeting, machinery, irrigation, pruning, and undertaking an interview. The contestants went head to head in the BioStart Hortisports, which was followed by a sausage sizzle provided by Fruitfed Supplies. The contestants finally delivered their speeches at the Awards Dinner, also held at Batch Winery, where guests enjoyed a range of local wines and a delicious meal in the restaurant by the fire. This makes two wins for Craggy Range, two weeks in a row, as Nick Putt from their Gimblett Gravels site won the Hawke's Bay competition last week. The 2025 National Final will be held at Greystone in Waipara on Wednesday, 27 August, and the 2025 New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year will be announced at the New Zealand Wine 2025 Celebration Dinner at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre on 28 August. The national finalists will have the opportunity to compete for some great prizes, including a $6000 Ecotrellis Travel Grant, a Leadership Week, and tickets to the Cool Climate Symposium. A BioStart Hortisports winner will also be announced, along with other cash prizes. The competition is made possible thanks to the following generous sponsors: BioStart, Ecotrellis, Ford, Fruitfed Supplies, Agritrade, Clemens, Constellation Brands, Delegat, Empak, Fendt, Indevin, Klima, Ormond Nurseries, Roots, Shoots & Fruits, Waterforce, NZSVO, New Zealand Winegrowers, and Winejobsonline.
