New Chair for Young Vit as it marks 20 years

Mission Estate Viticulturist Paul Robinson has been appointed the new Chair for the Young Viticulturist of the Year programme as it marks 20 years in 2025.

The New Zealand Young Viticulturist competition was launched in 2006 by a group of passionate viticulturists keen to support future viticultural leaders. Since then, more than 250 young viticulturists have competed over the years, with most entering multiple times.

Paul Robinson

Paul Robinson was the 2014 winner and will now head the National Committee. “I’m privileged to step up into this role in such a special year and continue helping bring through the next generation of Young Vits, the same way I was supported earlier in my career,” he says.

Since becoming Young Viticulturist of the Year in 2014, Paul headed up the Hawke’s Bay regional committee for several years and has been part of the national committee for the last seven years.

He has worked in various roles in Hawke’s Bay viticulture for 17 years and recently joined the Mission Estate Winery team as their Viticulturist.

“Celebrating 20 years of Young Viticulturist of the Year is a testament to the importance and prestige of the competition and a huge credit to everyone who has played a part in its growth over the years,” says Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Communities Manager at NZ Winegrowers. “We’re very proud of how many people have benefitted from the programme and the strong community behind it.”

She says many of the previous contestants are now senior leaders in the wine industry and continue to innovate, research and progress the sector.

The 20th Young Viticulturist of the Year will be announced at the New Zealand Wine 2025 Dinner on 28 August, following regional competitions around the country. Anniversary celebrations will be held in September.

W: Visit nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents for 2025 Young Vit competition details.