Viticulturist reaping fruits of his labour

CHE BAKER

A CUT ABOVE: Felton Road Vineyard assistant manager and runner-up in the Young Viticulturist of the Year Nick Paulin prunes grape vines at the Central Otago vineyard.

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A Central Otago assistant vineyard manager was named runner-up in the Markhams Young Viticulturist of the Year at Blenheim on Saturday.

Nick Paulin, 26, was second to the only other South Island contestant in the competition, Stuart Dudley of Marlborough.

Competitors were put to the test in a series of challenges including irrigation, tractor machinery, budgeting, an interview, practical challenge, chemical, pest and disease questions. He also had to present a speech.

Held as part of the 16th annual Romeo Bragato conference, the competition was based on the Farmer of the Year contest.

Mr Paulin competed against Mr Dudley and North Island representatives after he won the regional competition in Central Otago.

His competitors had a clear advantage because Central Otago was not afflicted with as many diseases as other parts of the country because of the growing conditions, he said.

The biggest challenge was the chemical element, because the Felton Road Vineyard – the 30ha vineyard where Mr Paulin is an assistant manager – was "biodynamic" and did not use chemicals.

Mr Paulin studied towards a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University for three years and had been in the industry for 5 1/2 years.

Working outside was the greatest enjoyment of the industry, along with growing something you could enjoy at the end of the working day, knowing you had produced it – the "fruits of labour", he said.

His goal was to buy and manage a vineyard and continue to farm biodynamically.

Mr Paulin would "have another crack" at the title next year and said this year's experience should help the next time round.

The competition judges were not available for comment.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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