Nina Downer wins 2023 Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year

Congratulations to Nina Downer, Vineyard Supervisor at Felton Road, who became the Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year 2023.

The competition was held on 12 July at Central Otago Polytechnic in Bannockburn, where the seven contestants rotated around a wide range of viticultural questions and challenges including pruning, irrigation, trellising, budgeting and an interview.

Six of the seven contestants were women, highlighting that viticulture is an exciting career for both women and men. Second place was awarded to Katrina O’Reilly from Chard Farm and Maxine Jing from Burn Cottage came third. The other contestants were Hannah Chamberlain, Callum Scarborough, Leach Purchase and Katherine Hirsh.

Stepping up this year as the Regional Chair and also sitting on the National Committee is Annabel Bulk from Felton Road, who was the national winner in 2018. Several previous contestants are part of the organisational team.

“It’s wonderful to see previous contestants wanting to help others come through and share their passion for viticulture,” said Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Communities Manager at NZ Winegrowers. “It makes the Young Vit program and community very special.”

The Awards Dinner was held at Carrick Winery & Restaurant, where the contestants delivered their speeches.

Nina Downer, 24, will represent Central Otago in the National Final in Hawke’s Bay on 30 August. She will compete against finalists from Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and N. Canterbury.