The Young Winemaker Competition provides a fantastic opportunity for future winemakers 30 years or under to upskill, grow in confidence, widen their network and start making a name for themselves within the industry. The winner of the regional competition will compete in the National competition against other regions. We are pleased to introduce you to the contestants competing in the Marlborough competition taking place on Wednesday 15th July.

Returning to Marlborough from 23–25 June 2026, WinePro NZ will deliver a powerful combination of exhibition, conference sessions and exhibitor-led Floor Talks focused on the issues shaping vineyard performance, winemaking efficiency, profitability, and long-term resilience. Far more than a traditional trade event, WinePro NZ has been designed around one question many businesses are asking today: “What practical things can we do right now?”

Congratulations to Kris Godsall from Cloudy Bay, who became the 2026 Ormond Nurseries Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year on 28 May. The 24-year-old was thrilled to raise the trophy and delighted that his hard work had paid off. 

Congratulations also to Harry Watson from Berakah Vineyard Management, who came second, and Isaac Langley from Pecchenino Viticulture Services, who came third. The competition was tight at the top, and all the contestants gave it their all, whilst competing with great respect and support for each other.

Marlborough’s 2026 vintage conditions were “simply magic,” says Clos Henri winemaker Damien Yvon, reflecting on four perfect weeks in the lead up to harvest. Warm days and cold nights resulted in wines with “power”, along with “freshness and finesse”, he says from the small Wairau Valley vineyard and winery. “And that combination is just amazing.”

Sauvignon Blanc is in the spotlight at Wine + Food Experience Marlborough as the region’s best examples of the variety take centre stage.

Five Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs of different styles are the current focus of a wine display celebrating Marlborough’s most successful wines at the 2025 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect.

The showcase was carefully timed to coincide with the region’s celebration of Sauvignon Blanc throughout the month of May, and will remain a feature at the venue in the heart of Blenheim until the end of June.

As the leaves in the vineyards turn to gold, Young Viticulturists around New Zealand are turning their focus to silver with the goal of raising their coveted regional trophy and ultimately the national trophy as the 2026 Ormond Nurseries New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year.