The eight contestants, aged 30 and under, showed off their theoretical and practical skills as they vied for the honour of being named Central Otago regional winner in the Markhams Young Viticulturist of the Year contest.
However, at the end of the day, after delivering a three-minute speech on the benefits of formal qualifications compared with hands-on experience, David Salmon (30), of Kawarau Estate, Cromwell, was declared the winner.
The competition was a whole-day affair at the Otago Polytechnic's Bannockburn vineyard block and saw the entrants taste-testing and naming wines from all around the country, pruning vines, hanging gates, fixing irrigation, demonstrating their abilities with large and small machinery.
They also had to demonstrate their knowledge of pests and diseases, and workplace first aid, among other things.
Organiser Gael Laurie described the event as the wine industry's equivalent of the Young Farmer Contest.
Mr Salmon will go on to compete in the national competition in Marlborough in August as part of the 2012 Romeo Bragato wine industry conference.
Last year's Central Otago winner, Nick Paulin, of Peregrine Wines, went on to win the national competition.
His win was a first for a Central Otago entrant and something described as one of the best things he could have done for his career.
"It can open up so many doors for you, especially if you win it and go on to represent your region in the national competition.
"It's really good to meet people in the industry from outside of this region.
"It's a good chance to network," he said.
Winners of the national competition go on to compete in the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition in Auckland in November, as well as other prizes including cash and a travel fund.
