Inaugural Organic Wine Scholarship Awarded

Nelson Winegrowers are pleased to announce that Cameron Trott is the first winner of the David McIntosh Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship gives a local person involved in the wine industry the opportunity to further their experience with organic grape and wine production. It was established in memory of David McIntosh √ a local viticulturist who was passionate about organics. A very active Nelson Winegrowers committee member, David was tragically killed on his 42nd birthday in a vineyard accident last year.

Cameron was presented with his award at a Nelson Winegrowers function last night. (December 1st). Cameron is a cellar hand at organic Nelson winery Woollaston Estates and he is completing his Diploma of Viticulture and Wine Production through Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.

"It's an honour to be given this award, especially because it's a memorial to David McIntosh. Currently organic wine making is very relevant. David's scholarship is an opportunity to build relationships with other organic producers, which will be a great benefit both to myself and the Nelson wine community."

The scholarship allows Cameron to spend a week working with staff at organic pioneer Seresin Estate to discover how they apply their philosophies in their vineyard and winery operations.

The selection panel for the scholarship comprised Mike Brown (CEO Kono Beverages and Chair of Nelson Winegrowers, Phil Gladstone, Director of Vitus Ltd and Neil Todd Winemaker at Kahurangi Estate.

Mike Brown says Cameron≠s passion for organics and his desire to learn as much as he can about it was well articulated in his application.

He's a fantastic budding winegrower with both a maturity and an energy that is great to see. This scholarship is important as it helps promote organic winegrowing, something our Association is keen to encourage.

It's also a fitting tribute to David McIntosh whose passion for organic wine making was well- known. David was also keen on developing talent, so the scholarship will remind us of the importance of sharing knowledge with those starting out on the organics path.

Cameron Trott made a career change to study to wine production after 12 years in the hospitality industry as chef and manager. "I love wine and now with this scholarship I hope to be able to be a part of bringing organic winemaking into the mainstream."

Hear what Cameron has to say about winning this award