Ben Tombs wins Central Otago Young Winemaker Regional competition

Date: 15.09.2020

It was a double win for Ben Tombs when he successfully took out the regional title for the Tonnellerie de Mercurey Central Otago Young Winemaker

The winemaker from Peregrine Wines took the top spot in the competition after returning to defend his title from last year.

Thrilled to again be raising the cup, this time Ben is delighted to be representing Central Otago at the national final in Hawke’s Bay in November. Last year, despite winning the regional title, he was unable to go through to the final, as he was on the Burgundy Exchange.

Rachel Bradley from Burn Cottage took the second spot, with Jordan Moores from Felton Road taking third. 

The talented Young Winemakers were tested on many aspects involved with wine production, including a forklift challenge, laboratory tests, blending, fault finding, world wine knowledge, and marketing. The contestants also delivered speeches on topics such as biodynamics, the effect of COVID on the New Zealand wine industry and the use of social media in the wine industry.

 Despite tough competition, judges thought the contestants were of a high calibre and well on their way to enjoying a successful career in the New Zealand wine industry. 

While changes were made to allow the event to run in Alert Level 2, and the awards dinner was cancelled, there was still a positive vibe throughout the day. 

"It was great to see how much preparation the contestants had done prior to the competition," says Nicky Grandorge, leadership and communities manager at NZ Winegrowers.

"They all wanted to stretch themselves yet at the same time really encouraged each other, demonstrating a very ambitious and supportive young wine community in Central Otago.  It’s fantastic!"

 The competition is made possible by national sponsors Tonnellerie de Mercurey, Crown Sheet Metal, Farmlands, Guala Enclosures, Laffort, O-I Glass, Programmed Property Services, Winejobsonline, and New World.

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