Lab Supply and Merck Proudly Sponsor NZ Young Winemaker 2025

Lab Supply, alongside our key partner Merck, is thrilled to once again sponsor the 2025 Tonnellerie de Mercurey NZ Young Winemaker of the Year Competition, a celebration of emerging talent, passion, and innovation in Aotearoa’s vibrant wine industry.

We are especially proud to be supporting this initiative once again in partnership with Merck, whom Lab Supply is now the sole authorised distributor for in New Zealand. Together, we’re committed to supporting the growth and success of the next generation of winemakers through hands-on development and recognition.

Following our proud involvement in 2024, we’re excited to continue backing this fantastic series of events that champion the future of the New Zealand wine industry. The 2025 competition kicks off with three regional events:

Marlborough – 16 July, Blenheim
North Island – 24 July, Hawke’s Bay
Central Otago – 31 July, Central Otago

The top competitors from each region will go on to compete in the National Final in Christchurch on 26 August, with winners honoured at the Awards Ceremony and Dinner on 28 August.

Launched in 2015, the Young Winemaker competition is open to those working in wine production roles such as cellar hands, lab techs, winemakers and students and aims to help ambitious young people become future leaders in New Zealand’s wine industry.

New for 2025: The competition has extended its eligibility criteria. Entrants can now be:
• 30 years or under on 31 December, or
• 31–34 years old with less than five years' experience in wine production

Contestants are tested across a wide range of essential industry skills including blending, viticulture, lab and tasting analysis, health & safety, and market knowledge.

Lab Supply is proud to support an initiative that not only fosters technical excellence but also cultivates confidence, leadership, and community. We look forward to seeing this year’s incredible talent shine and to continuing our contribution to one of New Zealand’s most iconic and innovative industries.

Good luck to all 2025 competitors and here’s to another inspiring year!

Learn more about the competition at nzwine.com

Shop over 90,000 Merck products

Article

Lab Supply and Merck Proudly Sponsor NZ Young Winemaker 2025

Products to compare:

Want to order online?

Article

Lab Supply and Merck Proudly Sponsor NZ Young Winemaker 2025

Products to compare: