The annual Central Otago Young Viticulturist competition was held at the Otago Polytechnic in Bannockburn last Thursday.
Contestants were tested on a wide range of essential skills, from irrigation and pruning to budgeting and leadership.
Young Viticulturist national co-ordinator Nicky Grandorge said Central Otago had put up eight strong contestants.
The competition helped the viticulturists make a name for themselves and built a sense of community.
"Contestants love it — at the end of it they feel they’ve made a lot of friends.
"It’s created this really lovely community where previous contestants are helping."
He had taken part twice before in Marlborough.
The competition was a good way to meet new people in Central Otago, he said.
"It’s a good way to test yourself.
"It shows you where you’re at in your career and how you stack up against other people."
Mr Horsfield enjoyed the modules and found the "brutal" hortisport the hardest part of the day.
"It finds every hole in your game."
Nina Downer, of Felton Road, won the Central Otago competition.
She will compete for the national title against four other viticulturists around the country, in Martinborough late next month.
Callum Scarborough, also of Felton Road, came second and Mr Horsfield placed third.
