Damon Lovell, vineyard manager at Carrick, has been named the 2025 Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year. 

The competition took place on Thursday (July 3) at Otago Polytechnic's Central Campus in Bannockburn.

“I’m absolutely rapt, and determined to do Central Otago proud at the nationals,” Damon said.

NZ Wine leadership and communities manager Nicky Grandorge told the Central App that Damon impressed the judges “with his strong viticultural knowledge and passion for the wine industry”.

Felix Jordan from Gibbston Valley Winery came second and Matt Hurnen from Rippon Vineyard came third, both taking out some of the challenging sections through the course of the day. 

The other contestants were Christi Schofield from Lowburn Ferry, Maddy Gamble from Felton Road Wines, Savannah McGhie from Burn Cottage, and Lucas Besnard from Vela Wines. 

The judges were impressed with the skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm of all the contestants, who rotated around various challenges, including irrigation, nutrition, pest and disease, first aid, budgeting, machinery, pruning, wine tasting, and undertaking an interview.

Felix Jordan won both the BioStart Hortisports race and the Ecotrellis trellising section. Savannah McGhie received the Ormond Professional Reputation Award.    

The contestants delivered their speeches at the awards dinner at Carrick, where guests enjoyed a three-course meal accompanied by fine New Zealand wines.

Damon will now go through to represent Central Otago at the 2025 national final at Greystone in Waipara on August 27. 

In the 20 years of the competition, Central Otago has brought home the national trophy four times, and local viticulturalists will be hoping Damon makes it the fifth. 

The national finalists will compete for a range of prizes, including a $6,000 travel grant, a leadership week, and tickets to the Cool Climate Symposium.