Who will become the 2022 Corteva Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year?

The Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year competition celebrates the future of viticulture. We are pleased to introduce you to the eight young Marlborough contestants competing in the Marlborough competition 7th July 2022.

Claudia Clark, Constellation Brands

Claudia Clark is 26 years old and is currently working in the Viticulture industry as an Operations Supervisor for Constellation Brands. Starting in the industry close to 6 years ago as an operator for Constellation Brands she has slowly worked her way up in the company. She grew up in the Marlborough region around close family and friends. She has recently completed a Diploma in Agribusiness and is looking to continue studying in the future. Outside the industry Claudia enjoys, playing hockey, getting out on the hills with the trail riding or out on the water with friends.

Daniel Clearwater, Constellation Brands

Daniel, 26 is an Operations Supervisor for Constellation Brands at their Pukaka Vineyards. Originally from Southland, he grew up on a sheep farm and went on to study a Bachelor of Commerce and Agriculture at Lincoln University. His love of plants and working outside brought him to Marlborough where he has spent the last 5 years. What gets Daniel out of bed in the morning is helping people grow and watching them succeed in the industry. Daniel competed in last year’s competition and is excited to be back to have another shot.

Finn Horsfield, Dog Point Vineyards

Finn Horsfield is 26 years old and currently a vineyard operator at Dog Point Vineyards. Moving from the North Island in 2019, Finn has been working and studying within the Marlborough wine industry ever since. Finn graduated with a bachelor of viticulture and winemaking in 2021 and is now based at ‘Yarrum’ an organic vineyard in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys. This will be Finn’s second year competing in the NZ Young Viticulturist competition and he hopes to build on his performance in 2021. Since moving to Dog Point, Finn says his practical knowledge and skill set has vastly improved.

Jess Marston, Giesen Group

Jess graduated with a degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Washington State University in 2018 and wanted to move back to New Zealand to work in the industry here. She got a graduate role in Marlborough and has been down in the region since July 2018. She is the technical viticulturist for Giesen Wines and loves getting to work outside with vines and nature. She’s currently doing post graduate study in business leadership which she’s finding very interesting. When not in the vines she enjoys hiking, cooking great food and exploring new places when she gets the chance. She’s looking forward to challenge of young vit and having some fun while competing.

Kris Godsall, Whitehaven Wines

Growing up surrounded by vines in the heart of New Zealand's wine capital, Kris Godsall only considered a career in the industry when the opportunity was presented at Marlborough Boys' College with the New Zealand school of Wine growing in 2018. Following the completion of two years at the school, in which he topped the class both years, Kris enrolled at Lincoln University to take on a Bachelor in Viticulture and Oenology, beginning in 2020. Recently, Kris has taken time off university to complete a vintage with Whitehaven Wines after spending his holiday’s working in their vineyards and supervising the yield estimation team. Kris aspires to work in the vines soon completing his degree.

Tahryn Mason, Villa Maria

Tahryn 29 years old and this is his fourth year and final year competing in the Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition. He currently works for Villa Maria, and is based in the Awatere, where he works as a vineyard supervisor. Tahryn is proud to work in the organics portfolio and enjoys the daily challenges his job can bring. A return entrant to the competition, Tahryn thoroughly enjoys competing at young vit, meeting new people, challenging himself, punishing his body during the hortisports and trellising sections.

Zac Howell, Villa Maria

Zac Howell is 27 years old and holds a graduate position at Villa Maria. This position has seen Zac undertake his second winery vintage earlier this year, with a six-month stint in the vineyard to follow. Zac is working towards a bachelor of viticulture and winemaking at NMIT, He began his studies at Lincoln University and after taking out a diploma in applied sciences, made the move to Blenheim so that he could be more involved in the wine industry while completing his degree.
Throughout his tertiary education, Zac has been fortunate enough to receive scholarships from Lincoln University, The Bragato Trust, Horticulture New Zealand, and KLIMA; allowing him to undertake a variety of unique experiences. This will be Zac’s second time competing in the Young Viticulturist competition. He is looking forward to meeting this year’s contestants and, seeing what he can achieve in the competition with a bit more experience under his belt.

Adrian Tennant, Delegat Limited 

Adrian is 26 years old and Vineyard Operations Supervisor at Delegats. Adrian began his career at Ara wines in Marlborough before heading to Lincoln University to complete a bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology. Following university he spent a harvest on Waiheke Island at Man O’war estate working with a range of different grape varieties. Returning to Marlborough after some travel he accepted a graduate position with Delegats helping expand his viticultural knowledge. Following a year under the graduate program he progressed to Vineyard operations supervisor in the Wairau Valley. He is passionate about innovation within the New Zealand industry and enjoys engaging with like minded people in the industry.

The Corteva Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition 2022 takes place on 7th July. Contestants will undergo a mix of practical and theoretical questions. Make sure you secure your tickets now to the Corteva Young Viticulturist of the year celebration dinner to support the contestants as they deliver their speeches and go head-to-head in a quick-fire quiz. 

Click here to purchase tickets