The inaugural Young Winemaker of the Year was modelled on the success of the Young Viticulturist of the Year competition.
Regional organiser and one of three winemakers at Vinpro Winery, Dave Sutton, said young people finding success in the industry was about ''being in the right place at the right time''.
The event was an opportunity to give young winemakers some exposure in the industry and hopefully would lead to success, he said.
The young viticulturist competition was in its 10th year and he felt there should be an event that focused on winemaking and allowed winemakers to showcase their skills.
The roles of winemakers and viticulturists were similar but each role required specialist skills, he said. Winemakers needed skills such as blending, cellar skills and marketing, as well as having an ''educated palate'' and recognising and understanding different wine styles.
Viticulturists on the other hand were focused on growing grapes and ''anything relating to vineyard management''.
He said a good winemaker was someone who was ''flexible and adaptable''.
''They should have a good mixture of trusting their instincts and knowing the right technical questions to ask.''
The winner of the competition would receive $1000 and a place at the proposed National Young Winemaker of the Year event, but details were yet to be finalised.
As well as Central Otago, the event was run in conjunction with Hawkes Bay and Marlborough young winemaker competitions, and was supported by the Central Otago Winegrowers Association.
Contestants have to be under 30 years of age and need to have worked for at least two years in a wine production role, and to have had at least one harvest experience in a Central Otago winery.
