Bayer Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year 2015

Bayer Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year 2015 announced

A great win for Matt Duggan from Cloudy Bay, as he becomes the Bayer Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year 2015. Six contestants battled it out at the Marlborough Research Centre in Blenheim with their final challenge being to deliver a speech to over 100 people at the evening dinner at the Scenic Circle Hotel.

It was a very close competition with Brenton O’Riley, from Giesen taking 2nd place and Anthony Walsh from Constellation coming 3rd.

Contestants completed a wide range of activities including questions on pruning, trellising, pests & diseases, tractor maintenance, HR negotiation, budgeting and irrigation as well as having an interview and a quick fire buzzer round.

Questions are set by the national and local sponsors who are all specialists in various aspects of the industry. The standard of entries was very high, showing a strong future for the viticultural industry in New Zealand.

The fun Biostart Hortisports race also took place which included vine identification, hula hooping and horse shoe throwing.

This annual competition is now in its 10th year and has become an important fixture in the viticultural calendar, giving young vits the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge as well as make a name for themselves within the industry.

Duggan has been Marlborough Young Viticulturist twice before, so goes through to the National Final with a lot of experience and a real determination to win the national title of Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year 2015, especially as aged 29 this is his last opportunity to qualify for entry. He will be competing against Regional Finalists from Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and Martinborough and the National Final will be held in conjunction with Bragato over 25-27 August in Hawke’s Bay.

As well as gaining the title, the national winner will be awarded a $5000 travel voucher from NZSVO, 1 years full lease of a Hyundai Santa Fe, $2000 cash, wine glasses and leadership training. They will also secure a place in the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition representing the viticultural industry.

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