Challenge is barrels of fun

WAIRARAPA WINNER: Braden Crosby, 2012 Young Viticulturalist of the Year, is organising the regional competition this year. PHOTO/FILE

Future vineyard leaders will go head-to-head next Wednesday in a bid to become Young Viticulturalist of the Year.

The national competition has regional rounds in Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, Central Otago and comes to Wairarapa for the first time.

"This is the first time we had enough people put their hands up in Wairarapa," said Braden Crosby, Borthwick Estate viticulturalist, organiser for the regional competition and the 2012 national winner.

He said seven viticulturalists aged under 30 have entered which was good for an inaugural competition with a limit of eight entrants.

They will be tested with a range of practical and theoretical exercises, from their understanding of pests and diseases and machinery to grafting and vineyard management.

There's also a quickfire question round and public speaking round which Mr Crosby remembers as the most challenging.

"Usually what they find is people have strengths and weaknesses in different areas."

He said this was helpful for the entrants as the purpose of the competition is not only to recognise excellence but increase development of those in the industry.

The Wairarapa Silver Secateurs pruning competition is also taking place on the same day.

Mr Crosby said people of all ages register on the day and are judged on speed, quality of work and tidiness.

He said it's a chance to have a bit of fun but also to claim bragging rights.

"It's quite competitive, people get into it."

Mr Crosby said the most interesting part of the day for the public will be the "hortisports" challenge at 12.30pm involving random, time-based competitions.

"It's a head-to-head competition against the clock."

Both competitions are open to the public and take place at Te Kairanga Estate in Martinborough from 11am-3pm.

The Wairarapa young viticulturalist winner will compete at the national finals in Blenheim in August.

A prize package worth over $20,000 is up for grabs this year.

Mr Crosby said many young viticulturalist winners also go on to win the Young Horticulturist of the Year title.

Five out of nine previous Horticulturists of the Year were from the winery industry.