Jordan Moores has won the 2021 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Central Otago Young Winemaker of the Year.

Jordan, from Valli Wine, says he is thrilled to have taken out the title and very excited to go through to the National Final, to be held in Central Otago for the first time this year in late November.  

“I’m going to give myself the weekend off” he says “and then get back into the study and preparation.  It’s really exciting to be going through.”

Hannah Lee came in second place, and is currently on maternity leave.

New Zealand Winegrowers Leadership & Communities Manager Nicky Grandorge says not only did she impress judges with her great winemaking skills and knowledge, but also her multi tasking skills.

In between challenges she managed to check in with her little one who was there with her babysitter.  

Hannah was also awarded a prize for delivering the best Fruitfed Supplies Speech and also the People’s Choice Award for the best blend of Pinot Noir made during the competition.  

Young winemakers top three. Pictured: Hannah Lee (second place), Jordan Moores (first place) and Emily Townshend (third place). 

Emily Townshend from The Boneline in North Canterbury came in third. 

Contestants from North Canterbury are eligible to enter the Central Otago competition. 

“The judges were impressed with the passion and professionalism of all the contestants who really stretched themselves throughout the day,” Nicky says. 

Other contestants included Annabel Wylie (Grape Vision), Cyntia Barras (Carrick) Olivia Williams (Mt Difficulty), Georgia Mehlhopt (Amisfield) and Melissa Gross (Akarua).

Jordan took out the prize for the Vin Olympics, the lunch-time race involves light-hearted challenges like rolling barrels and separating eggs, but useful skills to know in the winery nevertheless.

Jordan will now compete against the winners from the Marlborough and the North Island regions, whose competitions will be held in October.  

2021 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Central Otago Young Winemaker of the Year contestants. 

As the Central Otago competition was held under Alert Level 2 government guidelines were strictly adhered to ensure safety

The winner of the National Final takes home an impressive prize package which includes a bespoke mini French oak barrel trophy,  an overseas visit to Tonnellerie de Mercurey in Burgundy (when borders open) the opportunity to be an Associate Judge at the 2022 New World Wine Awards, cash and will also review their favourite wines in DrinksBiz magazine.  

Jordan took home from this competition $1000 cash, the Oxford Companion to Wine, a premium Church Road wine and an Educational Trip with Fruitfed Supplies which will take place after the National Final along with the other two finalists.