Queenstown tourism workers facing tough times because of Covid-19 appear to be pursuing new opportunities in viticulture.
Otago organisations involved in employing grape pickers reported a surge in the number of inquiries from Queenstown last week.
They put it down to a drop in the number of hospitality jobs there.
Central Otago Winegrowers president Nick Paulin said on Friday there seemed to be more people searching for picking work.
"I suspect due to the downturn in tourism and hospitality."