Celebrating the Future of Wine at NZ Young Winemaker 2025

Since its launch in 2015, the NZ Wine Young Winemaker competition has been a platform for emerging professionals to demonstrate their expertise across the full spectrum of winemaking. From blending and laboratory testing to viticulture, tasting analysis, presentation skills, and market knowledge, contestants are tested on the knowledge and skills essential to becoming future industry leaders.

This year’s competition brought together three outstanding finalists:

Ruby McManaway, Yealands (Marlborough)
Thalia Osborne, Ash Ridge Winery (Hawke’s Bay)
Dingying Jiang, Kahiwi Wines (Central Otago)

After an intense national final on 26 August 2025 at Lincoln University, and inspiring speeches delivered at the Celebration Dinner two days later, the title of 2025 Tonnellerie de Mercurey NZ Young Winemaker of the Year was awarded to Ruby McManaway.

Once again, Adam Hogue-Spurway had the privilege of attending the finals in Christchurch and serving as a judge, joined by Diane Arbabi of Merck Life Science.

At Lab Supply, we’re committed to supporting the industries we serve, and not just by supplying world-class laboratory solutions. Partnering with Merck to sponsor initiatives like the Young Winemaker competition reflects our shared values of innovation, quality, and collaboration.

A huge congratulations to Ruby on her well-deserved win, and to all the finalists who showcased their dedication to winemaking excellence. We look forward to following their careers as they continue to shape the future of New Zealand wine.

Learn more about the NZ Young Winemaker of the Year competition.

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Celebrating the Future of Wine at NZ Young Winemaker 2025

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Celebrating the Future of Wine at NZ Young Winemaker 2025

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