Tahryn Mason from Villa Maria in Marlborough has been named the 2022 Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year following the national final.

The 30-year-old says he was determined to take out the title in his last year of competing in the competition, which is open to those 30 years and younger working in viticulture. He originally competed in the Auckland/Northern competition in 2019 when he was working at Villa Maria in Auckland, before moving to Marlborough in 2020. 

“This competition has been the driving force and making of my career,” said Mason.

Organisers say that the event helps to grow Young Vits by giving them support, focus and opportunities to upskill and widen their networks.

The final was held on 30 August at Indevin’s Bankhouse in Marlborough, with the winner announcement made at the Awards Dinner the following evening. Second place went to Katie Cameron, from Escarpment in Wairarapa, while Tai Nelson from Soljans Estate in Kumeu, Auckland placed third. 

Organisers say that fellow finalists Laura Marston and Nina Downer also excelled themselves, with Marston winning the infamous Biostart Hortisports and Downer receiving an award for coming third with her Research Project.

This year the finalists had to research and share their ideas on the topic: ‘How can I reduce tractor passes and carbon emissions in my vineyard?’ This theme also linked in with the Toitu & Technology Conference and Field Day which was run in conjunction with the national final. 

Wine industry leaders and suppliers to the industry demonstrated how to embrace new technologies and products, while protecting the environment and reducing carbon emissions.

Tahryn Mason’s prize package includes a Hyundai Kona for a year, an Ecotrellis travel grant, an educational visit to Australia with Corteva, a Leadership Week, Bahco golden and electric secateurs, AEG power tools and cash. He will go on to represent the wine industry in the 2023 Young Horticulturist of the Year competition.

Last year’s Young Vit winner, Sam Bain from Villa Maria in Hawke’s Bay, will compete in this year’s Young Hort in Auckland in November.

“It’s very rewarding to see Young Vits grow and progress over the years,” said Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers and National Co-ordinator of the competition. “The competition helps them focus on studying and upskilling as well as opening many doors for them.  It is fantastic to see the passion the Young Vits have for viticulture and their determination to win this competition. It’s tough, but comes with so many rewards.”