Bayer Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year 2018

Bayer Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year 2018 announced

Congratulations to Annabel Bulk from Felton Road who became the Bayer Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year 2018. This is the second consecutive year Bulk has taken out the title as she was also the winner in 2017. “I put more pressure on myself this year as I was determined to defend the title and go through to the nationals again” says Bulk. Her study and preparation obviously paid off and she is thrilled to represent Central Otago once again in the National Final.

Congratulations also goes to Ed Haycock from Amisfield who came second and Ben Holt from Carrick who came third.

“The calibre of the contestants goes up and up every year” observed Harry Green from Empak, one of the long time sponsors of the competition. “It’s fantastic to see and fantastic for the future of the industry”.

The BioStart Hortisports at lunch time drew a good crowd of viti supporters and the Awards Dinner at the Bannockburn Hotel was well attended by the local wine industry.

“Five out of the eight contestants in the Central Otago competition were women again this year,” says Nicky Grandorge, National Co-Ordinator. “It highlights that viticulture is an attractive career for both men and women. The variety of jobs involved with running a vineyard seems to be one of the key attractions to viticulture.”

This wide range of skills and knowledge is what was tested on Friday as the contestants were put through their paces with questions on budgeting, irrigation, trellising, nutrition, pruning, wine appreciation and machinery.

The National Final will be held at Palliser Estate in Martinborough on Monday 27th August and the winner will be announced at the Bragato dinner on 30th August in Wellington.

The National winner receives an amazing prize package including a Hyundai Kona for a year, $5000 AGMARDT Travel Grant, $2000 cash, Bahco golden secateurs, glassware and a leadership week where the winner travels around New Zealand to meet influential people from the within the wine industry as well as leaders from other industries.

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