Congratulations to Nick Putt from Craggy Range, who became the 2025 Hawke’s Bay Young Viticulturist of the Year on 5 June. Having previously taken out the title and then taken a break, Nick returned this year determined to win and go through to represent Hawke’s Bay in the national final.
“It was great to lift the trophy once again, and I’m determined to do Hawke’s Bay proud in the nationals” he says.
Congratulations to Heath Miller from Pask Wines, who came second, and Joe Stenberg from Te Mata Estate, who came third, also showing they are at the top of their game.
Joe also took out the Ormond Professional Reputation Award for showing great leadership qualities. Jayden Tamanui from Indevin took out the Ecotrellis trellising prize, and Chelsea Jopson from Constellation Brands won the BioStart Hortisports.
The other contestants, competing for the first time this year and already looking forward to coming back again, were Lakin Bulled from Vinarchy and Tom MacKenzie from Indevin.
The competition took place under bright blue skies at Indevin’s Gimblett Gravels Vineyard. The contestants rotated around various challenges including nutrition, pest and disease, budgeting, machinery, irrigation, pruning, and undertaking an interview. A large crowd arrived at lunchtime to support the contestants during the BioStart Hortisports and then enjoy a gourmet BBQ prepared by Fruitfed Supplies. The contestants finally delivered their speeches at the Awards Dinner held at Mission Estate.
As the New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition marks its 20th anniversary this year, it was noted that Hawke’s Bay has taken out the title more than any other region, with six previous winners.
Will Nick Putt become the seventh? He will now go through to the National Final to compete against representatives from the winners of the North Island Regional, Marlborough, South Island Regional, and Central Otago competitions. The National Final will be held at Greystone in Waipara on Wednesday, 27 August. 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 Thursday, 28 August.
Nick won a Fruitfed Supplies Trip plus $1,000 and will compete for even greater prizes at the National Final. These include a $6,000 Ecotrellis Travel Grant, a Leadership Week, and tickets to the International Cool Climate Wine Symposium 2026. 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.