# Congratulations to Jake Dromgool from The Landing in Kerikeri

- Link: https://rd2.co.nz/congratulations-to-jake-dromgool-from-the-landing-in-kerikeri/
- Published: 2018-06-18T00:45:01+00:00
- Author: Molly Callaghan

Jake Dromgool from [The Landing in Kerikeri](https://www.thelandingnz.com/) became
the Auckland/Northern Young Viticulturist of the Year 2018.  He will go through 
to represent the region at the National Final at the end of August and will be the
first Northlander to ever compete in this prestigious Final.
 Dromgool is very proud
to represent his region and draw attention to its wines_.   “My career ambition 
is to see the Bay of Islands recognised as being a destination for fine wines, fuel
the growth of the industry within my region, and to help take wine from the North
to the world. I believe that despite the obvious difficulties of viticulture in 
the North, we have something to offer the market that no other region can quite 
match” says Dromgool._ _ _As well as working at The Landing, Dromgool has planted
his own vineyard and recently launched his own wine brand called [144 Islands.](https://www.144islands.co.nz/)

Congratulations also goes to Robbie Golding from [Mudbrick](http://www.mudbrick.co.nz/),
Waiheke who placed second, and also to Pietro Aloisi from [Marsden Estate](https://www.marsdenestate.co.nz/)
also in Kerikeri who came third.
 The Auckland/Northern Regional Final was held 
at [Goldie Estate](https://www.goldieestate.co.nz/) where the five competitors undertook
a mix of practical and theoretical challenges covering all aspects of viticulture,
including pruning, trellising, pests & diseases, soil nutrition and budgeting.  
Section prizes were given for each challenge and Monty Petrie from Man O War, Waiheke,
who entered the competition for the first time this year was delighted to win the
machinery and irrigation sections. The contestants also had a quick fire buzzer 
round and went head to head in the BioStart Hortisports race which was won by Matt
Dixon from [Te Motu](http://www.temotu.co.nz/), Waiheke. The day culminated with
the awards dinner held at the stunning Tantalus Estate, where the contestants also
each gave a speech. “It was a great day and the vast range of challenges helps the
contestants measure their own strengths and weaknesses.  To win the competition 
is a huge achievement and shows the winner has worked hard to perfect the very wide
range of skills and knowledge required for running a successful vineyard.”  Says
Nicky Grandorge, National Co-Ordinator. Dromgool will go on to compete in the National
Final this year being held in Martinborough at the end of August.  He will compete
against five other contestants from other wine growing regions around the country.
This was the first regional competition for 2018, with the others taking place over
the next two months.