Zac Howell wins 2023 Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year

Date: 11.07.2023

Zac Howell

Liv Bishop, Zac Howell, and Laura Hammond

2023 Marlborough Young Vits

Zac Howell

Liv Bishop, Zac Howell, and Laura Hammond

2023 Marlborough Young Vits

Zac will represent Marlborough in the National Final in Hawke’s Bay on 30 August and will compete against finalists from other regions

Zac Howell, from Indevin, became the Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year 2023 following the competition on 6 July.

The event kicked off with a crisp start at Giesen’s Stump Creek Road Vineyard where eight contestants faced a series of viticultural questions and challenges, including pruning, irrigation, trellising, nutrition, and an interview.

Laura Hammond from Cloudy Bay secured the second position and Liv Bishop from Delegat came third.

The other contestants — Harry Panesar, Aaron Hood, Gordon Browne, Josh Anderson, and Henrietta Steele — also did themselves proud, getting out of their comfort zone and tackling the various challenges with gusto.

At lunchtime, they went head to head in the BioStart Hortisports race, which attracted a large crowd from the local wine industry. This was followed by a sizzling BBQ lunch from Fruitfed Supplies.

The Awards Dinner was held at the Marlborough Convention Centre where the contestants delivered their speeches, covering a wide range of wine industry topics. There was also a quiz for everyone to take part in.

George Glover, the guest speaker, inspired the audience with his drive and dedication to destigmatize mental health. He has been the lead organiser of various events, including the Black Dog Swim, Back Yard Cricket, and Running 72, which have raised significant funds for mental health charities, as well as helping normalise the conversation around mental health.

Zac, 28, will represent Marlborough in the National Final in Hawke’s Bay on 30 August. He will compete against finalists from Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, North Canterbury, and Central Otago.

Prizes were awarded across the board, including a Fruitfed Supplies Educational Trip and AEG power tools for Zac. Laura won $750 cash and an NZSVO Educational Experience and Liv won $500 cash. Zac also won the BioStart Hortisports and the Ecotrellis section prizes. The Ormond Professional Reputation Award went to Josh Anderson.

The National Final prizes include a Hyundai Kona for a year, an Ecotrellis travel grant, a Leadership Week, Electrocoup electronic secateurs, and AEG power tools and cash.

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