EIT is toasting the success of three Viticulture graduates.

They have made the final five in the prestigious New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year competition held in Blenheim this week.

Wairarapa’s regional winner, Jeff Farrell graduated with a Bachelor of Viticulture in 2011.  Jeff is the assistant vineyard manager of Craggy Range’s Te Muna Vineyard.

Representing Marlborough, Brenton O’Riley works as technical viticulturist for Giesen Wines. He is also a past winner of the Bragato Exchange Scholarship and graduated this year.

Representing Hawke’s Bay, Paul Robinson completed a Bachelor of Viticulture and is assistant vineyard manager for a Villa Maria Estate vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels. Paul has represented Hawke’s Bay for the last three years.

In the last two years this NZ competition has been won by EIT graduates –

Brandon Crosby in 2012 and Matt Fox in 2013.