Katie Cameron wins

Katie Cameron wins Wairarapa Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year 2022

Congratulations to Katie Cameron, from Escarpment who became the 2022 Wairarapa Young Corteva Viticulturist of the Year 2022.

The regional final was held at the stunning Luna Estate in Martinborough on Thursday 30th June.  It was a frosty start, but soon warmed up as contestants and judges enjoyed some lovely winter sunshine.

Congratulations also goes to Hannah Pause from Foley Family Wines who came second.  The other contestants, Rob Jasionowicz and Hilary Forster, both from Escarpment also excelled during the competition winning some of the challenging sections which had been set. 

“It was fantastic to see how these four Young Vits, although all very competitive, cheered each other on throughout the day.  They were smiling from start to finish and this positive, professional attitude is one of the of the highlights of the Young Vit programme as a whole” says Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Communities Manager at NZ Winegrowers.

The contestants were tested on a wide range of viticultural skills including nutrition, budgeting, biosecurity and public speaking.  The popular BioStart Hortisports was held at lunchtime followed by the Fruitfed Supplies BBQ.   The Awards Dinner was held at beautiful Moy Hall.  There was a great community feel as wine industry members sat at long tables under twinkling fairy lights sharing stories over the delicious food and outstanding Wairarapa wines.  They were all entertained by the contestants thought provoking and at the same time amusing speeches from the contestants.

Katie, just turning 27, will represent Wairarapa in the National Final being held in Marlborough at the end of August, competing against other Young Vits from around the country. 

There were some great prizes won across the board last week and Katie will now be in with the chance of winning even greater prizes at the National Final.  These include a Hyundai Kona for a year, an Ecotrellis travel grant, an educational visit to Australia with Corteva, Bahco electronic and golden secateurs, AEG power tools and cash.

The competition is made possible thanks to all the sponsors involved: Corteva Agriscience, BioStart, Ecotrellis, Hyundai, Constellation Brands, Empak, Fruitfed Supplies, Fendt, Ormond Nurseries, Roots, Shoots & Fruits, Klima, Waterforce, Villa Maria-Indevin, Bahco, AEG, NZSVO and Winejobsonline.