Young winemakers maturing into champions of the future

Central Otago Young Viticulturist Nina Downer of Felton Road wines. Photo: ODT files

I always like to acknowledge the results of the Central Otago legs of the Young Viticulturist & Winemaker competitions in these pages.

These young men and women are already making an impact on the wines we enjoy today, but will have an increasing impact on the wines we treasure in the future.

The Central Otago Young Viticulturist competition was held in bitterly cold conditions in early July.

The eight contestants were tested on a wide range of topics including trellising, budgeting, pruning, irrigation and machinery, as well as undertaking an interview and a leadership challenge.

The BioStart Hortisports race followed with the final challenge, a speech about AI and future technology at the Awards Dinner at Carrick Estate.

Congratulations to Nina Downer, of Felton Road Wines, who was crowned Central Otago Young Viticulturist, making this a three-peat for Nina.

Second place getter Callum Scarborough, of Felton Road, also took out the 2024 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Central Otago Young Winemaker of the Year.

Congratulations also to Callum Scarborough (Felton Road) who came second, and to Finn Horsfield (Terra Sancta) who came third.

Nina will compete in the national finals in the Wairarapa at the end of August.

The Central Otago leg of the 2024 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker competition, held at VinPro in Cromwell, is also open to contestants from North Canterbury and Waitaki.

The young winemakers were tested on many aspects of wine production, which included laboratory tests, wine assessment, wine industry knowledge and undertaking an interview.

They were also tasked with creating a Pinot Noir blend and pitching it to a panel.

Their final task was to deliver a speech at the Awards Dinner held at Kinross in Gibbston Valley.

Georgia Mehlhopt, of Greystone Wines, won the Central Otago competition.

Congratulations to Georgia Mehlhopt, of Greystone Wines, who, in winning the Central Otago competition, becomes the 2024 Tonnellerie de Mercurey North Canterbury Young Winemaker of the Year, having also won in 2022.

In securing second place, Callum Scarborough, of Felton Road, was crowned the 2024 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Central Otago Young Winemaker of the Year.

Max Jing, of Burn Cottage, was third. Congratulations to all who took part.

Georgia and Callum will contest the national finals in Martinborough at the end of the month.