Nina Downer from Felton Road Wines Bannockburn is the 2024 Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year – for the third year running.
She headed off eight contestants to win the event held in bitterly cold conditions at the Otago Polytechnic Central Campus in Bannockburn.
Judges commented that all contestants demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skills.
They were tested on a range of topics including trellising, budgeting, pruning, irrigation and machinery as well as being interviewed and facing a leadership challenge.
A BioStart Hortisports race included a mix of fun and technical activities followed by the final challenge of delivering a speech about artificial intelligence and future technology at the awards dinner at Carrick Estate.
Callum Scarborough, also from Felton Road, came second and Finn Horsfield from Terra Sancta was third.
Downer will head to Escarpment Winery for the National Final in August to compete for the title of 2024 Young Viticulturist of the Year.
