Young Viticulturist of the Year

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Young Viticulturist of the Year

A prestigious competition supporting New Zealand's future viticultural leaders. Starting with three regional competitions there are now six.

Established in 2006 it helps Young Vits upskill and progress their careers, as well as bringing together a strong community of wine industry members and suppliers. The NZ Young Viticulturist of the Year competition began in 2006 and has continued to grow over the years. The winners from these go on to represent their region in the National Final. Since its inception, this competition has attracted

a high calibre of entrants from throughout the country and is now recognised within the industry as being a leading accomplishment for young viticulturists to aspire to and achieve. Previous winners have gone on to be senior leaders within the NZ wine industry. The competition involves rotating around practical and theoretical challenges covering all aspects of vineyard management. There is also a general knowledge quiz and the contestants have to deliver a speech to an industry strong audience at the awards dinner the same evening. For the national final, the contestants have a research project they submit in advance, followed up with a presentation on the actual competition day. Again everything on vineyard management is tested, but the questions are much more in depth and harder, so the winner really has earned the title and recognition of being the NZ Young Viticulturist of the Year.

13/03/2026

"Young Vit is THE best way to network and learn as much as possible."

05/03/2026

Great collaboration and learning between contestants, sponsors and committee at the Central Otago VINE session today

28/02/2026

Thank you Fruitfed Supplies for all your support with Young Vit throughout the year and also providing this amazing field trip which enables our national finalists to reunite and continue learning from leaders within and without the wine industry 😀

27/02/2026

Reminder: Our Central Otago Young Vit VINE session will be held on Thursday 5 March, 4pm at Dunstan Boat Club, Cromwell. RSVP to [email protected]. Wine industry event only. R18

Come along and chat to fellow viticulturists, sponsors and committee and find out more about this year's competition being held on 2 July. See you there!

Please note only sponsors can promote their products and solicit business at these events. Thanks for your understanding and respect.

Central Otago Winegrowers Association New Zealand Wine

26/02/2026

A great VINE session at Greystone in North Canterbury today with some fun tasks and chats over a glass of wine 🍷

24/02/2026

A perfect day to bring in the Pinot Gris in Auckland. Tai Nelson & Tony Soljan were at the helm along with their wonderful crew and a couple of extra helpers 🍇

20/02/2026

Reminder: Our North Canterbury Young Vit VINE session will be held on 26 February, 4pm at Greystone, 376 Omihi Road, Waipara. RSVP to [email protected]. Wine industry event only. R18

Come along and chat to fellow viticulturists, sponsors and committee and find out more about this year's South Island Regional competition being held on 18 June. See you there!

Please note only sponsors can promote their products and solicit business at these events. Thanks for your understanding and respect.

New Zealand Wine North Canterbury Wine Region

19/02/2026

A great turn out for the Marlborough VINE session with lots of networking and knowledge sharing 🍇

17/02/2026

Rowan Hoskins, Viticulturist gives advice on nerves and why it’s still worth taking the plunge to enter Young Vit. Go on-just do it 😀🍇

12/02/2026

Reminder: Our Marlborough Young Vit VINE session will be held on 19 February, 4pm at Woodend Gardens, 151 Rowley Crescent, Blenheim.
RSVP to [email protected]. Wine industry event only. R18

Come along and chat to fellow viticulturists, sponsors and committee and find out more about this year's competition being held on 28 May. See you there!

Please note only sponsors can promote their products and solicit business at these events. Thanks for your respect.

10/02/2026

Paul Robinson, Viticulturist at Mission Estate & our 2014 winner has some encouraging words for those planning to compete this year. Entry forms available here: https://www.nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents/youngvit/

04/02/2026

‘Tis the season to be netting 😀 We’re hugely grateful for netting specialists Empak for coming on board again as one of our long time sponsors 🍇

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Auckland
1023

Website

https://www.nzwine.com/en/events/young-vit/

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