Young contestants battle for top honours

At last night's Hawke's Bay Young Viticulturist of the Year awards at Te Awa Estate Winery, from left, Jono Hunt, Jacob Geuze, Cameron Price (winner), Jascha Oldham-Selak, and Mauro Negri. Photo / Duncan Brown

The Hawke's Bay Young Viticulturist of the year was crowned last night during a dinner function at Te Awa Estate Winery.

EIT graduate Cameron Price took the top spot, second place was given to Anton Luiten and Jascha Oldham-Selak placed third.

Eight contestants vied for the title during a day-long competition which began at 9am yesterday.

People were invited to watch the young contestants battle it out during several competitions, including the Hawke's Bay Silver Secateurs competition and the Grape Race.

As the men scrubbed up for the night's line-up of events, speeches were made, a delectable dinner showcasing the region's finest and a quickfire quiz were completed before the announcements were made.

The prestigious competition is held to find a National Viticulture representative to compete in the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition and to celebrate the young talent in Hawke's Bay.

Mr Price will now go on to compete at the national final at the Bragato conference, which is in Marlborough in August.

Competitors go head-to-head each year for the coveted title of Young Viticulturist of the Year which earns them the right to compete at the Young Horticulturist of the year competition.

Each of this year's Hawke's Bay contestants either have family links, or a history of working in the viticulture industry and all of them are currently working at wineries.

Hawke's Bay Silver Secateurs Competition is supported by Jason Ryan Contracting and Fruitfed Supplies.

Grapevine pruning is integral to the management and practice required to produce quality wines.

The competition was developed to recognise the skills of pruners.