Eight competitors vied for selection as the Central Otago regional winner in the Markhams Young Viticulturist of the Year contest.
Last year's winner, Nick Paulin (27), of Peregrine Wines, pictured left, successfully defended his title, with David Salmon, of Kawarau Estate, second and Michelle Dacombe, of Felton Road, third.
Mr Paulin was second in the national final of the contest last year.
Event organiser Gael Laurie said the contest was of huge value to the industry and it attracted a capacity field this year.
"That was great to see and we've got a good field of really keen young viticulturists," she said.
The event, held at the Otago Polytechnic's vineyard block near Cromwell, tested contestants on practical skills and theory, including pruning vines, constructing a trellis, installing irrigation, budgeting, using a tractor to load and unload pallets, general knowledge and speech-making.
Mr Paulin will represent the region in the national contest at the Romeo Bragato conference in Auckland at the end of August.
