The first winners in the regional competitions of the Young Viticulturist of the Year 2024 have been announced.

Joe Stenberg from Te Mata Estate took out the Hawke’s Bay title after a tough competition at Paritua Vineyards in Bridge Pa. Heath Miller from Pask came second and Jess Sunderland-Wells from Indevin placed third.

Annika Salenjus from Craggy Range became the 2024 Wairarapa Young Viticulturist of the Year – the second year in a row she has won.

This year the Wairarapa and Auckland competitions were combined, and Leon Henson from Batch Winery on Waiheke Island took out third place. He therefore qualifies for the title of 2024 Auckland Young Viticulturist of the Year and will head to the national final to represent his region.

James Sutcliffe, who also works at Craggy Range’s Te Muna Estate Vineyard in Martinborough, placed second in the combined event. 

Regional finals are still to be held to find winners for Marlborough, Central Otago, and South Island Regional. The National Final will be held at Escarpment in Martinborough on 28 August and the winner will be announced the following evening at the Altogether Unique 2024 industry celebration at Te Papa.