Jake Dromgool from The Landing in Kerikeri was the Second Place winner, with Mohit Sharma from Man O War who coming in Third.  The organisers said that the calibre of the contestants was very high and the other contestants, Robbie Golding and Blake Tahapehi, put up strong competition.

The entrants battled their way through the mud and the rain during the practical activities such as machinery, trellising and pruning, yet despite the conditions, spirits remained high. They also had an interview, a quick fire buzzer round as well as questions on nutrition, budgeting, pests and diseases and drone usage in the vineyards.

One of the highlights of the day was the BioStart Hortisports race where the contestants went head to head undertaking a variety of challenges amongst the vines. While tough, both contestants and spectators  said that they enjoyed the race.

The day concluded with a magnificent dinner in the Mudbrick restaurant, where contestants all gave very impressive speeches.

Sir Graham Henry gave a very inspirational speech on success and how to set goals and work towards them.

Adams will now go onto the National Final in August, which is held in conjunction with Bragato, this year in Marlborough. He will compete against the winners from Marlborough, Central Otago, Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa.

The national winner not only gains the title of Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year, but an amazing prize package of $2000 cash, a $5000 AGMARDT travel scholarship, a Hyundai Santa Fe for an entire year, wine glasses and a leadership week where they meet some of the top leaders in the New Zealand wine industry.  They also go on to represent viticulture in the Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition.

The overall comments from the day applauded the high calibre of the contestants, the camaraderie that grew between them and the positivity and vibrancy of the wine industry as a whole.