Central Otago's young winemakers battling it out

The fourth annual Central Otago young winemakers competition, to be held today in Cromwell, will forge a way for new talent in the region, its organisers say.

Competition committee member Rosie Menzies said seven competitors, who had to be under 30 years old, from Gibbston to Alexandra would battle it out through seven rounds.

Tests would include laboratory work, wine tasting, fault finding and first aid.

The competition would be held at Vinpro in Cromwell and the prizegiving, open to the public, would be at the Bannockburn Hotel from 3pm.

"I think [the competition] is very important so we can grow our talent," Ms Menzies said.

"The pinot noir in Central Otago is pretty incredible, you get a unique expression from pinot noir from Central, unlike anything else in New Zealand."

The two top placegetters would compete in the South Island contest on July 20 in Marlborough and its winners would go to the national competition in August.