Former students back for Young Viticulturist comp

An icy, foggy morning didn’t cool the enthusiasm of competitors in the Central Otago regional heat of the Young Viticulturist of the Year competition, held last week at our Cromwell campus.

There was a strong turnout of vineyard managers and owners, technical representatives and wine industry professionals, all keen to watch the action and support the next generation of viticulture talent.

Senior Horticulture lecturer Rachel Petrie says that support demonstrates the value placed on mentoring, encouraging and celebrating emerging talent.

The nationwide Young Viticulturist of the Year competition was launched in 2006 by the New Zealand Winegrowers organisation and aims to provide an opportunity for workers aged 30 years and under to upskill, grow in confidence, and start making a name for themselves within the industry.

Among the eight Central Otago competitors were three former Otago Polytechnic students - Jack McMonagle, Chavi Cleworth, and Savannah McGhie – who are all now working locally in the horticulture industry.

Competitors had to complete a series of practical and theory-based challenges, testing their skills across key areas of viticulture. Those tasks included pruning, building trellises, driving a tractor, pest and disease identification, and a job interview.

Rachel says she was proud to watch her former students representing their employers and the wider Central Otago wine industry as they showcased off their practical skills, technical knowledge and professionalism over a challenging day of competition.

“All three graduates began their journey in viticulture with us having little or no previous experience,” she says.

“But through hard work, determination and a passion for learning they’ve continued to build impressive careers here in the horticulture industry.”

Rachel believes the trio are a testament to the opportunities available to school leavers in Central Otago.

“Jack enrolled with Otago Polytechnic when he was 18 and now works as a vineyard operator at Cloudy Bay.

“Meanwhile, Chavi and Savannah began their viticulture journeys at just 16 years of age, and completed their New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Fruit Production) (Level 4) through us.”

Chavi is now second in charge at Carrick Winery, and Savannah is a vineyard assistant at Burn Cottage Vineyard.

“They’re all forging successful careers and are recognised as talented young professionals within the Central Otago wine industry,” says Rachel.

The former students have developed a broad range of skills and knowledge, including modern vineyard management practices, as well as organic and biodynamic production systems, and relished the opportunity to compete against young colleagues from the area.

“The Young Viticulture competition is a great way to learn a few new skills, make new friends and have fun doing what I love,” says Savannah.

“Studying at the polytech helped open my eyes up to what was available in the viticulture community.”

Savannah received the Ormond Nursery Professional Reputation Award at Thursday night’s awards dinner, with organisers mentioning her positive, friendly attitude and huge growth over the last year.

Chavi finished in third place in the regional competition and agrees the Cromwell programme set him up well for a rewarding career.

“The things I learnt at Otago Polytechnic helped me greatly in getting a foot in the door for jobs in the local industry.”

Congratulations to Jack, Chavi, and Savannah on their achievements. We are incredibly proud to see our graduates continuing to grow, challenge themselves and contribute to the future success of New Zealand viticulture.

Matthew Kerruish from Vinewise Viticulture won the Central Otago title and will go on to represent the region at the national final in Wairarapa at the end of August.