NZ's winemaker and viticulturist awards announced

New Zealand Winegrowers has announced that Nick Lamain, from Isabel Estate in Marlborough, has been awarded the honour of 2026 Young Winemaker of the Year, and Kris Godsall, from Cloudy Bay, Marlborough, is the 2026 Young Viticulturist of the Year.

Following the national finals held in Martinborough, the winners were announced at the New Zealand Wine 2026 Celebration Dinner at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday, 27 August.

The Young Winemaker national finals were held on 25 August at The Runholder, and the Young Viticulturist national finals were held at Escarpment the following day.

“Honestly, it still feels a little surreal. I’ve been part of this competition for the past five years, and it has challenged me, built my confidence, and played a huge role in shaping my career. To cap off that journey by taking out the national title is an incredible honour, and a moment I’ll be proud of for a very long time,” Lamain said.

“It’s a lot to take in,” Godsall said. “It’s a prestigious title to win, and all the hard work has paid off.”

Kris Godsall.

Congratulations are also due to Heath Miller from Pask in Hawke’s Bay, who came second in the Young Viticulturist competition, and Joshua Irving from Lincoln University in North Canterbury, who placed third. The other Young Viticulturists competing were Alex Coombs from Craggy Range in Wairarapa, and Braxton Benseman from Mt Difficulty in Central Otago.

The other Young Winemakers were Aaron Coxhead from Coxhead Wines in Waikato/Bay of Plenty, and Joshua Irving from Lincoln University in North Canterbury. Joshua was the first-ever contestant to compete in both the Young Viticulturist and Young Winemaker national finals in the same year.

Both national winners will be heading to Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2027 in February and the Organic Winegrowers Conference next June.

Top image caption: Nick Lamain. Images: Supplied