Wairarapa young winemaker earns silver in national comp
Wednesday, 11 September 2024
Wairarapa winemaker Katie Cameron, who placed second in a national competition, says she’s in the industry for the sheer joy of it.
The Young Winemaker of the Year was held on August 27 at Foley Wines’ The Runholder, its cellar door restaurant in Martinborough. It tested competitors on a wide range of skills and knowledge required by aspiring winemakers.
The competition was launched in 2015 for those under 30 years involved with wine production.
Ata Rangi assistant winemaker Katie Cameron, 29, who finished second, said she is attracted to the longevity of the winemaking industry and looked up to the many people who had worked to make Martinborough a well-known place.
“I like the industry because great people are drawn to it, and your work becomes part of your lifestyle,” she said.
“Good food, good people, good wine, it all works together.”
Cameron said she entered the competition to push herself to learn more in her first year in her new role.
“It’s an agriculture industry, so we are constantly facing so many different challenges like the mercy of the weather, and it’s really hard.
“But it’s rewarding when you get it right, and the people make it worthwhile.”
Cameron moved to Wairarapa in 2020 to start a three-month harvest role at Escarpment Winery in Martinborough and decided to stick around because she loved the region.
She started at Ata Rangi in October last year.
“I am often asked these questions, like what are your goals, and where do you see yourself in five years, but I am really happy with the present. Wherever that goes, I will be happy with that, too.”
New Zealand Winegrowers leadership and communities manager Nicky Grandorge said it was exciting to see talented future leaders emerge in winemaking and viticulture.
“They are very ambitious, and their passion and enthusiasm rubs off on everyone involved with the programmes.”
For the first time, the NZ Young Viticulturist was held the day after the Young Winemaker in Martinborough, and two winners were announced at the Altogether Unique 2024 wine industry celebration at Te Papa on August 29.
“It’s also really positive to see four young women take out the top two places in both competitions, highlighting the exciting career opportunities for both women and men in the wine industry,” Grandorge said, who is also the national co-ordinator for NZ Women in Wine.
Nina Downer from Felton Road in Central Otago became this year's Young Viticulturist of the Year, and Georgia Mehlhopt from Greystone Wines in North Canterbury the Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year.