Your online orders cannot currently be placed through your PGW Customer Account Web login. Please contact our online support team for more information.
Young Viticulturist of the year Nina Downer

2024 Young Viticulturist & Winemaker winners announced

For the first time, the Young Viticulturist and the Young Winemaker of the Year competitions were held the same week, allowing both winners to be announced at the Altogether Unique 2024 wine industry celebration at Te Papa on 29 August.

“Our warmest congratulations to Nina Downer, from Felton Road, for her success in winning the Young Viticulturist title and to Georgia Mehlhopt, from Greystone Wines, who won the 2024 Young Winemaker of the Year,” says Duncan Fletcher, Fruitfed Supplies National Manager.

“Fruitfed Supplies has partnered with the Young Viticulturist since the competition started in 2006. Our team are passionate supporters of this annual competition which continues to showcase the talents of our young viticulturists. 

“We’re also pleased to be a partner of the Young Winemaker competition, which highlights the skills and talents of winemakers under the age of 30. 

“Our team is excited to host this year’s Young Viticulturist finalists on a field trip later this year and we’re looking forward to the four Young Winemaker finalists also joining us.”

Alongside Nina Downer, the other 2024 Young Viticulturalist finalists were Anna Kelland (runner-up) from Constellation Brands, Nick McArthur (third place) from Tiki Wines, Joe Stenberg from Te Mata Estate, James Sutcliffe from Craggy Range and Leon Henson from Batch Winery.

Joining Georgia Mehlhopt in the Young Winemaker final were Katie Cameron (second place) from Ata Rangi, Nick Lamain from VinLink and Callum Scarborough from Felton Road. 

When asked what her win meant, Georgia said, “The experience has pushed me to be a better winemaker. I’ve networked, made lifelong friends and learned more about what makes our incredible industry so unique. It’s been very inspiring to be exposed to big ideas and different ways of thinking. I’ve been able to voice my concerns and thoughts and speak with passion about what I love the most: wine and our beautiful land. 

“To the people along the way who have helped me, supported me, answered a million of my questions and given me their time, knowledge and expertise: thank you."

“The Young Winemaker of the Year has opened so many doors for me in the last four years of competing, and I cannot wait to see what the next four, 14 and 40 years look like for me in this industry I am honoured to be a part of. None of it would be possible without the sponsors, volunteers and organisers so thank you all for the opportunities.”

Nina was equally appreciative of the opportunities that come with winning the Young Viticulturist title. “It means a lot to me personally. It’s been a four-year long journey where my skills and confidence have grown each year. It’s been a challenge and a goal of mine to win this competition, so I’m super stoked!"

“Professionally, it reassures me that occasionally, I might know what I’m talking about from time to time. The leadership week and being able to compete in the Young Horticulturist of the year competition are opportunities for me to keep learning and progressing in my career which I’m really excited about.”