The National Final was held on Tuesday, 23 August at MRC and the winner was announced at the Bragato Wine Awards dinner on Thursday, 25 August.

Alex Roper from Mission Estate, Hawke’s Bay was the runner up.  Tom Hindmarsh and Matt Fox were the other finalists, also performing strongly throughout the competition.

As part of the National Final the competitors had to prepare a project and give a thirty-five minute presentation to three judges, having been given one week to prepare. They also had to complete a laboratory and wine tasting module, along with Capex and general winemaking knowledge modules.

Hogg took home not only the prestigious title, but a $5000 travel grant, a place on WSET Level 2 course at NZSWS, a magnum of Ruinart Champagne and a beautiful, especially crafted mini Tonnellerie de Mercurey barrel. He has also been invited to be an Associate Judge for the Bragato Wine Awards 2017.

The Tonnellerie de Mercurey NZ Young Winemaker competition is set to grow again next year. This was the second year that the competition had been run.