We are so proud to announce that Zac Howell, one of our Marlborough Graduates won the 2023 Marlborough NZ Young Viticulturist of the Year regional final on 6th July.

Zac is no stranger to the competition, having competed three times previously and so we are really chuffed to see him take the title this year! Competing against seven of his peers in the wine industry, the standard was high, but Zac performed consistently to take home the winners cup with a resounding success.

Zac faced a series of rigorous challenges throughout the day, including pruning vines, budgeting, fixing irrigation, operating machinery, and identifying pests and diseases. The Marlborough team rallied behind Zac, showing their support during the infamous “Hortisports” event at lunchtime, which saw him bear crawling, rolling barrels and building an electric sheep fence.

Following a swift transition to the prize giving dinner, Zac impressed in the quick-fire quiz and concluded the day with a speech to an audience of 180 attendees. We look forward to cheering Zac on at the national competition in Hawke’s Bay in August. We are delighted that Indevin representatives have taken out the title the last three years running, with Tahryn Mason in 2022, Sam Bain in 2021 and Rhys Hall in 2020.

As a key sponsor of the NZ Young Viticulturist Of The Year competition, we are always proud see Indevin people competing! Huge congrats also goes to Maddie Griffith who competed in the Hawke's Bay heat earlier this month, coming way with first prize in the Vineyard Budget section.