Simon Gourley, viticulturist at Domaine Thomson and representing Central Otago, is The Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year 2019.
This is the second year running the trophy has been taken down to Central Otago and the third time in total since the competition started in 2006.
Ben Richards from Indevin in Marlborough was a close runner-up and George Bunnett from Craggy Range in Wairarapa was third.
The other three finalists were Jacob Dromgool from The Landing in Northland, Zoe Marychurch from Pegasus Bay in North Canterbury and Nick Putt from Villa Maria in Hawke's Bay.
They too showed great leadership and viticultural skills and all six contestants have started making a name for themselves in the wine industry as senior members recognised the passion and knowledge these ambitious young vits have.