A Lincoln University student is set to become the first person to contest both the Young Viticulturist and the Young Winemaker national titles in one year. Joshua Irving, who is doing a Bachelor of Viticulture & Oenology (Honours) with a dissertation on the impacts of elemental sulphur on wine quality, is the 2026 Ormond Nurseries North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year and the 2026 Tonnellerie de Mercurey North Canterbury Young Winemaker of the Year. Having competed in the Young Viticulturist competition last year, he worked on his weaknesses, ensuring he was better prepared for each segment this time around. "I knew that the theory and the science side of things would be a strength, and playing into that definitely worked. The winner of each final will be announced at the New Zealand 2026 Celebration Dinner at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre on 27 August.