Emily Gaspard-Clark from Spy Valley Wines in Marlborough has been named the Tonnellerie de Mercurey NZ Young Winemaker of the Year 2019.
Following the regional finals held around the country in August, three finalists – Gaspard-Clark, Kate Franklin from Sacred Hill and Jordan Moores from Felton Road – competed for the national title last month.
The three finalists were tested on their winemaking knowledge and skills – including a presentation, a general wine knowledge and essay paper, an interview and a CAPEX paper, wine judging and running fining trials in the laboratory, and a speech at the awards dinner.
Gaspard-Clark won an educational trip to Burgundy, a $2000 Programmed Property Services Education Scholarship, a Riedel decanter, a mixed case of wine from Winejobsonline and cash. She will also be an Associate Judge at the NZ Wine of the Year competition, receive a personal tasting experience with a Villa Maria senior winemaker and attend the NZ Wine Awards in November.
For more information, visit www.nzwine.com/en/initiatives/young-winemaker/
