Who will be the 2026 Ormond Nurseries Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year?
Who will be the 2026 Ormond Nurseries Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year?
The Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition 2026 is now in its 21st year and is taking place on Thursday 28th May. This competition provides a fantastic opportunity for viticulturists 30 years or under to up-skill, grow in confidence, widen their network and start making a name for themselves within the industry.
Eight young Marlborough contestants will undergo a mix of practical and theoretical modules from pruning to Budgeting. They go head-to-head in the BioStart Hortisports event, a quick-fire quiz as well as give a speech at the awards dinner.
We are pleased to introduce the Marlborough viticulturists competing in the 2026 Marlborough competition.
Brandon Jewun, Thornhill Viticulture/Horticulture Ltd
Brandon is a dedicated 26‑year‑old supervisor based at Thornhill Viticulture/Horticulture Ltd, Blenheim. He began his career in the vineyards as a teenager and has steadily progressed to a supervisory role, where he has accumulated more than six years of leadership experience. With extensive knowledge across all aspects of vineyard operations, Brandon consistently delivers high‑quality results while fostering a positive and productive work environment. His strong leadership skills, hands‑on expertise, and ability to guide teams effectively make him a valuable asset in vineyard management.
Outside of work, Brandon enjoys playing badminton. His commitment to self‑improvement and long‑term professional growth is reflected in both his career progression and his continuous drive to develop new skills.
Cameron Hunter, Matua
Cameron Hunter is 27 years old and is a Vineyard Operator at Matua in Marlborough. His viticulture journey began in 2017, and he graduated from NMIT with a bachelor in Viticulture and Winemaking in 2019. Cameron has done a couple of vintages in the winery but has predominantly been involved in the field since 2020. Originally growing up on a dairy farm, he enjoys the similarities between both the agriculture and horticulture industries. Cameron’s goals include continuing to learn and grow as much as he can in the industry with hopes of climbing up the ranks. Outside of work he enjoys Hunting and Fishing, exploring the outdoors and keeping active.
Daniell Kahu, Indevin Group
Daniell is a 26 year old going on 27 at the end of May, who’s currently working for Indevin Group Ltd, in Marlborough, he recently made the move from Gisborne in October of 2025, starting as a casual for Indevin in Gisborne to running amok in the large wine region of Marlborough, outside of work he enjoy health and physical fitness, Daniells goal in viticulture right now is to diversify his knowledge in viticulture from all regions of New Zealand.
Harry Watson, Berakah Vineyard
Harry Watson is 23 years old and currently working at Berakah Vineyard Management in a team lead role. He has worked four vintages across multiple wine regions in the country, including Waiheke Island and Marlborough. He has undertaken a wide range of roles within the industry, including vineyard hand, cellar hand, and vineyard operator, and is now enjoying his new position as a team lead. The role has allowed him to expand his technical viticultural knowledge, leadership skills, and people skills, as well as further network within the industry. In his spare time, he enjoys spearfishing in the Marlborough Sounds, music and running in nature. His goal is to one day make a meaningful contribution to the New Zealand wine industry in the form of new research or technology. This will be Harry’s third time competing in the Marlborough Young Viticulturist Competition, and he is grateful for the large group of friends and mentors he has met through it, as well as the valuable industry experience the competition has provided him with.
Isaac Langley, Pecchenino Viticulture Ltd
Isaac Langley is 30 years old and an assistant vineyard manager for Pecchenino Viticulture Ltd in the Marlborough district. He fell in love with winemaking while traveling Europe in 2018/2019. Then when he moved back to New Zealand he got work experience in the industry and saw the light, his passion shifted to viticulture. He graduated from Lincoln University with a degree in Viticulture and Oenology in 2023 and has since been working in the industry learning. He is passionate about quality wine, soils, and the environment, and his goals are to be a great viticulturalist and own a vineyard one day. Outside of work he enjoys working out, playing tennis alongside all things food and wine.
Jaspreet Singh, Thornhill Viticulture/Horticulture Ltd
Jaspreet Singh, 29 years old, has been working as a Field Supervisor with Thornhill Viticulture/Horticulture Contracting Ltd since March 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Information Technology and brings strong leadership abilities, particularly in supervising teams and maintaining workplace quality standards. Jaspreet has hands‑on experience in pruning, harvesting, and vineyard development. Beyond his professional strengths, Jaspreet enjoys playing cricket and volleyball.
Kris Godsall, Cloudy Bay Vineyards
Kristopher Godsall, 24, Assistant Vineyard Manager at Cloudy Bay Vineyards. What began as childhood curiosity watching Marlborough's tractors soon evolved into a profound appreciation for the delicate balance of vine and environment. This interest was ignited during college and culminated in a Lincoln University Bachelor degree of Viticulture and Oenology. Now, he meticulously assists in cultivating high-quality fruit at Cloudy Bay Vineyards, ensuring every vine contributes to their renowned reputation. For Kris, each challenge, whether in the vineyard or the competition, propels him closer to his dream of managing his own land. Beyond the vineyard rows, he finds balance coaching young rowers and immersing himself in Marlborough's great outdoors.
Tyler Whitt, Spring Creek Vintners
Tyler Whitt is a 23-year-old vineyard operator at Spring Creek Vintners, where he has worked in the viticulture industry for the past five years. His interest in viticulture began after watching a television program about the industry, which inspired him to give it a try. Since then, he has developed a strong passion for vineyard work and the science behind grape growing. Tyler has completed five harvest seasons in Marlborough, gaining experience in both hand harvesting and machine harvesting operations. Through these roles, he has built practical skills and a solid understanding of vineyard processes across different stages of production. Looking ahead, Tyler’s goal is to earn a degree in viticulture to further expand his knowledge and career opportunities in the industry. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys flying planes, hiking, and playing in brass bands. He is also actively involved as a leader with Churchward Park Scout Group, where he supports and mentors young people in the scouting community.
Support the Marlborough Young Viticulturists of the Year 2026 contestants and cheer them on as they deliver their speeches and compete head-to-head in a quickfire quiz at the Celebration Dinner. It's sure to be filled with laughter and light-hearted moments.