Massive congratulations to our Viticulturist Jess Wilson who competed in the Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year competition and was awarded second place!
Jess completed her Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University in 2013, followed by an Honours thesis (first class) on Grapevine Susceptibility to Eutypa Dieback, at the University of Adelaide. Returning to Marlborough in 2015 to take up roles in viticulture, Jess has been at Whitehaven since 2018. As a lifelong learner Jess has now embarked on a business diploma. She loves tramping and the outdoors, and has most recently found herself learning many new DIY skills as she renovates her home with her husband Cameron.
The Young Viticulturist of the Year contestants undergo a mix of practical and theoretical questions which include pruning, irrigation machinery, pests and diseases, budgeting, nutrition, trellising and an interview. They go head to head in the BioStart Hortisports race and finish the day with a quickfire buzzer round and speech at the awards dinner.
We are hugely proud of Jess and all the effort that went into a full day of competing at the Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year. To come away with second place overall and top performer in the pest and disease component of the day is a huge achievement. Go Jess!!
