Meet the North Canterbury Young Winemaker of 2024 – Georgia Mehlhopt!

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Georgia for over two years now, but since many of you haven’t had the chance to get to know her as I do, I decided to sit down with her and learn more about her and the Young Winemaker Competition where she’s representing Greystone.

Q: First off, how did you get into the wine industry in the first place?
A: I was on a trajectory towards my career as a lawyer but went travelling around Europe after my studies. I ended up walking 800km across France and Spain on El Camino de Santiago. The long days of walking and seeking shade under the vines lead me to speak to the vineyard workers. I witnessed their happiness and enjoyed the Rioja region’s sunshine and fresh air. I often sought shade under the vines, or ended the day with a chilled tempranillo. All of the wine emersion sought me to work out what options were available back home: which lead me to a post-graduate course at Lincoln University. I even sought advice from Greystone’s winemakers before starting my career; the recommendation to join the industry won me over. 

Q: And how did you end up at Greystone?
A: I had always admired Greystone and the strong focus and passion the people have here for the environment is infectious. The wines were a standout for me though, and compelled me to reach out to the Winemaker, Dom. He invited me to come and have a look around the property and meet the team. I was very eager and hopeful a position might be available and thankfully it was!

Q: What is your favourite part about working in the cellar at Greystone?
A: Learning from Dom and Gav, two very talented and humble winemakers, has been a real privilege. I have gained a lot of knowledge from both of them and have appreciated their encouragement and support during my time in the winery. The work itself is very exciting with lots of variation, opportunity for growth, and new challenges every day. 

Q: And now that you’ve been working in the vineyard for the past month, what is your favourite part about that?
A: Working outside every day in a vineyard that is focused on regenerative and sustainable farming is pretty special. It’s reassuring knowing that there are no harmful or harsh chemicals out there and working so closely with the land is safe. I love connecting with the vines and the seasons more thoroughly and getting a clearer idea of what to expect in the winery. Being in the vineyard has built on my knowledge significantly and has developed my career in a much broader sense. Liam’s guidance and encouragement has been beneficial to my success in both the Young Viticulturist (2nd in North Canterbury), and Young Winemaker competitions and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to learn from him. 

Q: Last question about Greystone – what is your favourite Greystone wine?
A: It has to be the Vineyard Ferment. It’s always such a unique wine and changes with the seasons. It takes a great deal of guts and trust in the process to leave it out in the vineyard come rain or shine, and it always rewards us with an incredible expression of terroir. 

Q: How did you first hear about the Young Viticulturist and Young Winemaker Competitions?
A: The winemaker at Amisfield, Ben Leen, encouraged me to enter when I was working there as a Graduate Trainee. I was very green to the industry – but it was a great day and encouraged me to learn more and meet other aspiring winemakers. I’m grateful for that first push and support, and attribute those earlier competitions to my success now. 

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about each competition and what the day of is like?
A: The Young Viticulturist competition (regional) consisted of 9 modules that each run for 25 minutes. They are a mixture of practical and mental tests and assess a wide range of skills. The modules are trellis systems (fixing wires, putting in posts etc), tractor work, irrigation, budgeting, general knowledge and pest and diseases, an interview, a wine judging assessment, a quiz, and a speech. There is also a fun ‘Viti sports’ challenge that is a mixture of laughs and tough challenges like rolling barrels, egg throwing, first aid and putting pipes together. There is a speech at the end of the day at a formal regional dinner, which we receive the topic for a week before the day. This year my speech was on Rosé, and whether or not it was a positive for North Canterbury. 

The Young Winemaker (regional) has a similar format, and the regionals have 7 modules at 25 minutes each. They consist of blending a wine for particular guidelines, marketing and selling that wine to a panel of judges, an interview, a blind wine assessment, a general knowledge test, and a laboratory practical and written test. At the lunch break, there is a ‘Vin Olympics’ round that consists of spitting into a bucket, throwing bungs, rolling barrels and often putting together a single wine bottle carton – a winemaker’s worst nightmare! At the end of the day there is also a dinner, and we are required to give a speech too. My topic this year was about how to attract Gen Z’s to wines more. 

I am fortunate to have made it to the finals for Young Winemaker this year and will be going to Martinborough at the end of the month to compete. The final is a lot more intense and examines all aspects of the wine industry in a much deeper context. There are only five modules, but they run in 50-minute time slots. There is an interview, a laboratory test, a capital expenditure business exam, and a 20-minute presentation. We get the presentation topics 10 days prior to the competition, and it will be about a relevant and topical issue the wine industry is facing. At a winemaking forum a few days later, we give our speeches, and the winner is announced in front of the industry’s best. 

Q: What did you do to prepare for the regional competitions?
A: I find the best way to prepare for the competitions is to go and seek advice from those who can provide it. I have been all around North Canterbury seeking help from anyone who will give it and I’m very grateful for the kindness and support of the industry and the region. It’s also a mix of repetition: reading queue cards over and over again, going over different ideas and topics, practising speeches in front of the mirror, and a lot of power poses and pump-up music. I think we would all love to see the trophy come to North Canterbury for the first time, and I am doing my very best to make it happen!

Q: What has been the hardest part so far?
A: The hardest part is having to gain such a wide range of knowledge. They can really test you on anything winery or vineyard-related and so you have to be prepared for anything. You must also be creative and think outside the box to stand out and this can be tough to do on the spot. 

Q: What are you currently working on to prepare for the Young Winemaker final?
A: I am working on my weaknesses a lot. I went to the final in 2022 and know exactly what my weaknesses were then, so I have used the last two years to decrease my knowledge gaps. I have also spent a lot of time trying to become more succinct with my words and writing and seeking out feedback where possible. There has been a lot of reading about topical issues and ways to solve problems that we are facing as an industry. North Canterbury and learning more about it has also been a focus for me as we often get asked about our region and what problems we face there. 

Q: How has Greystone supported you in this?
A: Greystone has been incredibly supportive, and I feel very fortunate. Everyone has spent time with me answering my many questions, providing me with contacts, and giving me extra time to study or rest.

Q: Lastly, what would you tell young women just starting out in the wine industry?
A: Network as much as you can and build up a support that you can call on for help. Find a mentor that you admire and can lean on when you need it. Say yes to every opportunity and put yourself out there. It’s a tough industry but it’s full of passion and people who care deeply so find your people and your purpose and you can’t go wrong!

I am lucky enough to be heading to Wellington next week to support Georgia in the Young Winemaker Finals and will report back with the results!

To learn more about the Young Winemaker of NZ Competition click here.
To learn more about the Young Viticulturist of NZ Competition click here.