They sailed through pruning and wine-tasting but many of this year's crop stumbled when it came to flying a helicopter.
That task and assembling a wheelbarrow were among the most challenging parts of the Central Otago final of the Young Viticulturist of the Year contest held yesterday near Cromwell, the eight competitors agreed.
The two elements formed part of the Hortsports section. Competitors had to complete a jigsaw which contained the instructions for the event, then assemble a wheelbarrow and use it to cart a rose bush, wine barrel and irrigation piping down a row of vines.
Next they had to plant the rose, install the irrigation and fly a remote-controlled helicopter several metres to complete the event.
Several helicopters crash-landed but all except one wheelbarrow survived the speedy assembly process and swift journey through the vines.
''That was the hardest part of the day, especially getting that wheelbarrow together,'' contestant Dan Mather said. His wheelbarrow ''malfunctioned'' after assembly and he ended up carrying the items to the finish line.
It was Mr Mather's last attempt at the title as he will be too old - over 30- to enter next year.
''It's been a great experience, though, really fun, and you learn extra skills along the way,'' he said.
During the day, entrants were tested on a wide range of practical skills and theoretical exercises, on topics ranging from pests and diseases, irrigation, health and safety and budgeting through to tractor skills. Last night, the contestants' general knowledge was tested and then they had to give a speech.
This year's winner was Mike Winter, of Amisfield winery, who will be attending the national final of the event at the New Zealand Winegrowers Romeo Bragato conference in Blenheim from August 27-19. Central Otago Winegrowers executive officer Natalie Wilson said the Central Otago final was going from ''strength to strength''.
''It's well supported by spectators, by growers and by sponsors, so we're grateful to all those people,'' she said.
