Ruby McManaway, Marlborough
Ruby is a 27-year-old Winemaker at Yealands Estate. A Marlborough local, she has been surrounded by grapevines from an early age. Ten years into her career, Ruby has gained hands-on experience in vineyard, cellar, and international winemaking, leading to her current role as Production Winemaker at Yealands. Passionate about elevating New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, she is excited to enter the Young Winemaker of the Year competition for 2025.
Thalia Osborne, Hawke's Bay
Thalia Osborne, 24, is the Assistant Winemaker and all-rounder at Ash Ridge Winery, where she floats between the vineyard, winery, and cellar door. Originally from Hawaii, she discovered her passion for viticulture in Napa Valley through a high school elective (best class ever), later earning her degree in Viticulture and Oenology from EIT in 2024. Thalia recently completed an overseas harvest back in Napa and is especially passionate about sustainability, integrated practices, and the future of New Zealand wine. She’s known for her curiosity, energy, and a belief that life—like wine—is all about balance, structure, and a little bit of funk. When not working, Thalia enjoys tramping, swimming, and spending time with her growing collection of farmyard pets.
Dingying Jiang, Central Otago
Dingying Jiang is Junior Vigneron at Kahiwi. She's 29 and discovered her passion for the wine industry when she decided to study Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University in 2015. Over the past 10 years, she has gained diverse experience across continents and roles. Always learning, she is currently pursuing her WSET Diploma.
Her winemaking journey spans New Zealand (Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Central Otago), the United States, and Australia—exposing her to a wide range of winemaking practices and global industry insights. Beyond the cellar and vineyard, Dingying has developed strong wine sales and hospitality skills through her work in cellar doors, wine retail, and as a sommelier in fine dining restaurant.
Curious by nature, Dingying is always asking questions and learning from those around her. She enjoys wine tasting, discussing wines and shares her passion with friends. Outside of wine, she is a music enthusiast.
Last year, Dingying competed in the Young Winemaker competition in the Marlborough region. After relocating to Central Otago in the summer of 2024, she has fallen in love with this region and its unique energy.
“By entering the competition this year in Central Otago,” she says, “I hope to deepen my connection with this amazing place and the community that inspires me.”