Historic first for female finalists in Young Vit Nationals
For the first time in the 16-year history of the Young Viticulturist competition there will be more women than men competing in the National Final, with four of the six regional finals won by women.
The 2021 Corteva Young Vit National Final will be held 25-26 August in Marlborough and the six finalists are:
Sam Bain, Villa Maria, Hawke’s Bay
Albie Feary, Ata Rangi, Wairarapa
Katrina Jackson, Chard Farm, Central Otago
Courtney Sang, Obsidian, Auckland
Tristan van Schalkwyk, The Bone Line, North Canterbury
Jess Wilson, Whitehaven Wines, Marlborough
“This strongly endorses that viticulture is an exciting career for both men and women,” says Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers. “All six contestants are very passionate about viticulture and love the variety of skills and knowledge required to run a successful vineyard.”
Clockwise from top left: Courtney Sang, Sam Bain, Albie Feary, Katrina Jackson, Tristan van Schwalk and Jess Wilson.
The group will be tested on a range of these skills during the National Final, which consists of practical and theoretical challenges.
In the build-up, the contestants have been working on a research project assessing pruning options during a labour shortage. The practical day will take place at Indevin’s Bankhouse Vineyard in Marlborough on 25 August.
The following day a conference and field day is being held, entitled “Toitu and Technology – Planning for the Future.” This is open to everyone working in viticulture and will discuss ways in which the wine industry can become carbon neutral, as well as look at innovations and new technologies to help the New Zealand wine industry continue to lead the charge in the future.
The Awards Dinner will be held at the Clubs of Marlborough, where the contestants will each deliver a speech and the 2021 Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year will be announced.
The winner will receive a Hyundai Kona for a year, an Ecotrellis travel grant, an educational visit to Australia with Corteva, Bahco golden secateurs and other cash prizes. They will also go on to represent the wine industry in the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition in November.