This year, 26 judges swirled, sniffed and sipped a total of 1402 wines over an intense three-day judging period. Pinot noir was the most-awarded style, earning 17 of the 91 gold medals awarded overall.  

The top honour went to Lowburn Ferry Home Block Pinot Noir Central Otago 2014, which was named Champion Wine of The Show. Chair of Judges and Master of Wine Michael Brajkovich says it was one of the more complex pinot noir wines in this year’s competition, with "lovely ripe wild cherry aromas with earthy herbal and truffle-like undertones".

The second highest accolade was the O-I New Zealand Reserve Wine of the Show Trophy, and this went to the Brancott Estate Letter Series "O" Chardonnay Marlborough 2015.  

This year saw a surge in rosé entries, with 100 entered over all. The Liquorland-sponsored Champion Rosé award went to Whitehaven Pinot Rosé Marlborough 2016. 

Join us in raising a glass to the all the trophy winners: 

Air New Zealand Champion Wine of The Show 
Lowburn Ferry Home Block Pinot Noir Central Otago 2014

O-I New Zealand Reserve Wine of The Show
Brancott Estate Letter Series “O” Chardonnay Marlborough 2015

JF Hillebrand New Zealand Champion Pinot Noir
Lowburn Ferry Home Block Pinot Noir Central Otago 2014

Label and Litho Champion Sauvignon Blanc
Babydoll Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016

Rabobank New Zealand Champion Chardonnay
Brancott Estate Letter Series “O” Chardonnay Marlborough 2015

Coast FM Champion Merlot, Cabernet and Blends
Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Hawke’s Bay 2014

Dish Magazine Champion Open Red Wine
Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015

Fruitfed Supplies Champion Syrah
Mission Reserve Syrah Hawke’s Bay 2015

Guala Closures New Zealand Ltd Champion Pinot Gris
Wairau River Pinot Gris Marlborough 2016

Liquorland Champion Rosé
Whitehaven Pinot Rosé Marlborough 2016

New World Champion Open White Wine
Giesen Riesling New Zealand 2015

Plant & Food Research Champion Riesling
Giesen Riesling New Zealand 2015

Plumm Glassware Champion Gewürztraminer
Lawson’s Dry Hills Gewürztraminer Marlborough 2015

QuayConnect Champion Other White Styles
Nautilus Albariño Marlborough 2016

Wine-Searcher Champion Sweet White Wine
Giesen The Brothers Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014

WineWorks Limited Champion Sparkling Wine
Deutz Cuvee Blanc De Blancs Methode Traditionnelle Marlborough 2013

Rangitikei Chicken Champion Exhibition White or Sparkling Wine
Maude Mt Maude Vineyard Dry Riesling Central Otago 2016

New Zealand Winegrowers Champion Exhibition Red Wine
Mission Reserve Cabernet Franc Hawke’s Bay 2014