Central Otagos Young Winemaker and Young Viticulturist of the Year winners announced

The winners for Central Otago’s Young Winemaker and Young Viticulturist competition were announced yesterday at a combined awards dinner held at Bannockburn Hall. Lisa Fromont from Te Kano won the 2026 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Central Otago Young Winemaker of the Year award whilst Matthew Kerruish from Vinewise Viticulture took home the 2026 Ormond Nurseries Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year title. Fromont is primarily based at Te Kano’s Waitaki Estate, where she is 2IC in both the vineyards and the winery. Kerruish works for Vinewise as well as at his family vineyards and winery Folding Hills Wines in Bendigo. At the same award night, Joshua Irving from Lincoln University became the 2026 Tonnellerie de Mercurey North Canterbury Young Winemaker of the Year.