12 June 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

The ‘best of the Bay’ gather to do battle in the vines

Hawke’s Bay’s best and brightest young viticulturists are swatting up their theory books, practicing their machinery handling, and honing their skills in anticipation of the regional Markhams Young Viticulturist of the Year competition being held at Mission Estate Winery on Friday 22 June.

Seven viticulturists under the age of 30 will do battle in a range of practical and technical tasks, and be tested on a variety of topics such as budgeting, irrigation, pest control and machinery knowledge. In addition, contestants will compete in a timed eight activity ‘horti- sports’ contest, pitting themselves against each other and the clock.

Later that evening, the contestants will change out of their overalls into their suits and continue the competition and awards dinner at Mission Estate. There they will compete in a quick fire buzzer general knowledge quiz and present a speech on a topic only revealed to them days earlier. A wine options challenge will kick off the dinner, and as always, dinner guests will compete as well.

Some of Hawke’s Bay’s leading wineries are represented in the competition, with Mike Saunders from Villa Maria, Caleb Dennis and Tyler McComb from Craggy Range, Johnny Latrobe from Sacred Hill, Nick Otto from Delegat’s, and Clearview’s Luke Cornwell all vying for the regional title. They will be joined by Brayden Crosby from Borthwick Estate in Martinborough, also in contention.

Since its inception in 2006, the Markhams Young Viticulturist of the Year competition has attracted a high calibre of entrants from throughout the country and is recognised within the industry as being a leading accomplishment for young viticulturists to aspire to and achieve.

Three regional competitions are held in Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and Central Otago, with the winner of each going on to compete for the national Markhams Young Viticulturist of the Year title. This year the final is being held in Marlborough on 22 August as part of the 2012 Romeo Bragato wine industry conference.

ENDS

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