This year, there are five regional finalists, all strong candidates with great viticultural knowledge and a real passion for the industry, so it is set to be an exciting competition.

The main day of questions and challenges will be on Tuesday, 23 August at Villa Maria, Marlborough. 

“It’s a tough day for the contestants and they have all been studying hard over the last few weeks.” says Nicky Grandorge, the National Co-ordinator of the competition. “The National Final is quite a step up from the regional competitions so the winner really deserves to take home the trophy and title of Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year. It also prepares them well for the Young Horticulturist competition in November.”

The National Finalists 2016 are:

AUCKLAND - Tim Adams, Obsidian

CENTRAL OTAGO – Mike Winter, Amisfield

HAWKE’S BAY – Cameron Price, Villa Maria

MARLBOROUGH – Brenton O’Riley, Pernod Ricard

WAIRARAPA – Mark Langlands, Te Kairanga

The BioStart Hortisports race will take place at 1.30 pm and spectators are welcome to come along to Villa Maria and cheer the competitors as they go head to head in this challenging yet entertaining race.

The contestants will also undergo a quick fire buzzer round at the Bragato conference and finally deliver a speech at the Bragato Wine Awards Dinner on Thursday evening.  The winner will also be announced later on that evening.

The national winner not only gains the title of Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year, but an amazing prize package of a $5000 AGMARDT travel scholarship, a Hyundai Santa Fe for an entire year, $2000 cash, wine glasses and a leadership week where they meet some of the top leaders in the New Zealand wine industry.