Congratulations to Damon Lovell, Vineyard Manager at Carrick, who took out the title of 2025 Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year. The competition took place on 3 July at Otago Polytechnic's Central Campus in Bannockburn.
“I’m absolutely rapt” says Damon, “and determined to do Central Otago proud at the nationals.”
Congratulations also go to Felix Jordan from Gibbston Valley Winery, who came second, and Matt Hurnen from Rippon Vineyard, who came third, both taking out some of the challenging sections through the course of the day.
The other contestants were Christi Schofield from Lowburn Ferry, Maddy Gamble from Felton Road Wines, Savannah McGhie from Burn Cottage, and Lucas Besnard from Vela Wines. The judges were impressed with the skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm of all the contestants.
Felix Jordan won both the BioStart Hortisports race and the Ecotrellis trellising section. Savannah McGhie received the Ormond Professional Reputation Award for her positive interaction with everyone throughout the day and stretching herself outside her comfort zone.
The contestants rotated 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 BBQ.
The contestants finally delivered their speeches at the Awards Dinner held at Carrick, where guests enjoyed a delicious three-course meal accompanied by fine New Zealand wines.
Damon will now go through to represent Central Otago at the 2025 national final at Greystone in Waipara on 27 August. In the 20 years of the competition, Central Otago has brought home the national trophy four times – will Damon be the fifth? The 2025 New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year will then be announced at the New Zealand Wine 2025 Celebration Dinner at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre on 28 August.
The national finalists will have the opportunity to compete for some great prizes, including a $6,000 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.
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For further information or photos contact:
Nicky Grandorge
Leadership & Communities Manager, New Zealand Winegrowers,
021780948
nicky.grandorge@nzwine.com
View the Young Viticulturist website here.
New Zealand Winegrowers images can be found here.