Sam Bain from Villa Maria in Hawke’s Bay has been named the 2021 Corteva NZ Young Viticulturist of the Year following the national finals held in Marlborough on 27 January.  

Jess Wilson from Whitehaven Wines in Marlborough placed second and Courtney Sang from Obsidian, Waiheke Island came third.

The other contestants were Albie Feary from Ata Rangi, Tristan van Schalkwyk from The Boneline and Katrina Jackson from Chard Farm.  

Sam Bain, who is Vineyard Manager of Spring Hill Vineyard, also won the BioStart Hortisports and the Ecotrellis Trellising Trophy.

The judges commented on the passion and talent of all the contestants and were impressed with their leadership skills and especially their adaptability over the last few months and especially the days leading up to the competition.

It had been a long road for the six finalists due to COVID postponements: the original competition was set for late August, then rescheduled for November, before being rescheduled again to January.

With the country’s shift to ‘Red’ just days before the event, Nicky Grandorge, National Co-Ordinator, says that plans were quickly changed to ensure the competition was safe to go ahead. It was relocated to a remote ‘secret’ vineyard to keep numbers limited and to be away from a winery or other people. Everything was held outside with all government recommendations followed. 

The Awards Dinner was cancelled, although Grandorge says that a celebration dinner will be held later in the year when safe to do so.  

The contestants were tested on a wide range of skills and knowledge including setting up a seed drill, trellising, pest and disease, an interview, frost protection as well as the BioStart Hortisports. They had already previously submitted a research report entitled “Assess various pruning options during a labour shortage”, thus addressing one of the real challenges currently facing the wine industry. Jess Wilson won $1,000 for the best report and presentation.

As 2021 Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year, Sam Bain’s prize package includes a Hyundai Kona for a year, an Ecotrellis travel grant, an educational visit to Australia with Corteva, Bahco golden secateurs and other cash prizes.