The Winning Cut
Kris Cumpstone Vineyard Manager at Te Mania and Richmond Plains proved he was a cut above the rest winning the Nelson region Silver Secateurs grape vine pruning competition, held on Saturday July 30th.

"We are very proud of Kris winning this competition says Te Mania owner Jon Harrey. Pruning is at the heart of our vineyard management so it's comforting to know that our team is working under his expert guidance. He will be able to get in plenty of practise to keep him warm on these frosty mornings.≈

Points are awarded for technique, quality of work done and speed. "I wasn't the fastest but scored highest overall, winning on the quality of work done"said Kris.

"The key to good vineyard management is balance≈, says Richmond Plains owner Lars Jensen. "Kris prunes our vines so that they produce just the right amount and quality of fruit to make great wine. In an organic vineyard like ours we look for balance by working with nature."

Kris will fly to Auckland together with the other winners, to compete in the national Silver Secateurs competition in Auckland at Bragato, the national grape growers conference in late August. He will be competing against regional winners from all over New Zealand for the honours and prizes.

For winning the Nelson competition Kris received a Bahco grape vine pruning equipment prize package courtesy of Fruitfed Supplies to use at the nationals.

Nelson Competition Results

  • Individual Pruning Competition Winner: Kris Cumpstone
  • Individual Tying Competition Winner: Steve Carter
  • Team Competition Winner: Horticultural Services - Dave Pratt, Margaret Small, Daniel Wilson.

    cumpstone: Kris Cumpstone - Winner of the Nelson Silver Secateurs Competition 2011