# Congratulations to Zoe Marychurch from Bell Hill

- Link: https://rd2.co.nz/congratulations-to-zoe-marychurch-from-bell-hill/
- Published: 2018-06-18T00:02:27+00:00
- Author: Molly Callaghan

Zoe Marychurch from [Bell Hill](http://bellhill.co.nz/) won the South Island Regional
Young Viticulturist of the Year competition on Friday 15^(th) June.
 This is a new
regional competition added to the Young Vit competition this year and is open to
contestants from Nelson, Canterbury and Waitaki.  The winner goes through to represent
their own region so Marychurch will represent North Canterbury in the National Final
in August. Four contestants battled it out at Greystone in Waipara – three from 
North Canterbury and one from Nelson.  “The calibre of the contestants was high 
and it was great to see their enthusiasm and passion for viticulture evident throughout
the day” says Nicky Grandorge, National Co-ordinator.   They were tested on a wide
range of skills including budgeting, trellising, pruning and pests and diseases.
Sam Pearce from [Waipara Hills](http://waiparahillswines.co.nz/) came a very close
second with the awards dinner held at [Black Estate](http://blackestate.co.nz/),
where the contestants gave their speeches whilst the local wine community enjoyed
an exquisite dinner and fine wines kindly donated from North Canterbury and Nelson
wineries. Zoe is thrilled to represent her home area of North Canterbury. She loves
the people and hopes this draws attention to the great wines of North Canterbury.
She will go on to compete against five other contestants from Northland, Hawke’s
Bay, Central Otago, Wairarapa and Marlborough in the National finals to be held 
in the Wairarapa in August.