Third time’s a charm for Howell

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

After two failed campaigns for the Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year crown, Indevin’s Zac Howell has qualified for 2023’s national finals.

A frosty start became a stunning winter’s day at Giesen’s Stump Creek Road Vineyard on Thursday, where the eight contestants were put through their paces by experienced viticulturists.

The contestants had to show their skillset through a thorough day of examination on their practical and theoretical knowledge on pruning, irrigation, machinery, pests and diseases, budgeting, nutrition, and trellising - as well as an interview and their public speaking at the awards dinner at the Marlborough Convention Centre.

Judges kept a close eye on techniques in the lunchtime BioStart Hortisports race that drew a large crowd to cheer on the competitors, which Zac was victorious in.

“It was evident Zac had put in a lot of hard work and preparation for the competition which really paid off. Zac is a bright, ambitious Young Vit with an exciting career in viticulture head of him,” says national co-ordinator Nicki Grandorge.

“It was great to see some new faces in the competition this year and know that we have more am- bitious Young Vits entering the NZ wine industry. They all did themselves proud.”

Alongside the contestant’s speeches on wine industry related topics, dinner attendees were also treated to a talk from the inspiring George Glover - who organises events to raise funds for mental health charities as well as helping normalize the conversation around mental health.

“We’re incredibly happy with how the day has gone despite the frosty start, but I’m sure the contestants are used to those conditions,” says organiser David Bullivant.

“There’s plenty of skill and promise across the field, so Marlborough’s viticultural industry is in safe hands going forward”.

Sam will be travelling to the Hawke’s Bay at the end of August to take on fellow champions from Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, North Canterbury and Central Otago.

Congratulations also go to second placed Laura Hammond from Cloudy Bay and Delegat’s Liv Bishop who came third, and their fellow competitors Harry Panesar, Aaron Hood, Gordon Browne, Josh Anderson and Henrietta Steele.

Zac also won the Ecotrellis section prizes, taking home a Fruitfed Supplies Educational Trip and AEG power tools. Laura won $750 cash and an NZSVO Educational Experience, Liv won $500 cash and the Ormond Professional Reputation Award went to Josh Anderson.