Young Winemakers crowned in Central Otago comp

Two new regional Young Winemakers have been crowned following the Central Otago leg of the national competition.

Georgia Mehlhopt from Greystone Wines was named 2024 Tonnellerie de Mercurey North Canterbury Young Winemaker of the Year. This is the second time she has won the competition and title, previously in 2022.

Callum Scarborough from Felton Road came second and was crowned the 2024 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Central Otago Young Winemaker of the Year.

The Central Otago competition, held at VinPro in Cromwell, is also open to contestants from North Canterbury and Waitaki. Georgia and Callum will now go through to the National Final in late August to represent their respective regions.

Callum Scarborough and Georgia Mehlhopt.

Max Jing from Burn Cottage came third, while the judges were also impressed with the other contestants Felix Jordan from Gibbston Valley and Maddy Gamble from Felton Road.

The young winemakers were tested on many aspects of wine production, including laboratory tests and wine assessment, as well as wine industry knowledge and undertaking an interview. They were also tasked with creating a Pinot Noir blend and pitching it to a panel. Their final task was to deliver a speech at the Awards Dinner held at Kinross in Gibbston Valley.

The 2024 Young Winemaker National Final is being held at The Runholder in Martinborough on 27 August. The national finalists will deliver their speeches at the Altogether Unique 2024 Wine Business Forum at Te Papa on 29 August and the winner will be announced at the Celebration Dinner that night.