Since 2003, the New World Wine Awards has been finding a top drop at a great price.
Over time, we’ve increased the limit from $20 to $25 to include more quality wines in the competition. This compilation helps you find the best tasting wines in New Zealand for under $25.
Related article:
Read our guide to New Zealand Wine Styles
Best red wines under $25
Big and bold, or floral and fruity? However you like your red wine, here you’ll find award-winning wines of New Zealand for under $25.
Best New Zealand Red Blends under $25
Pair our top blends with these food recommendations:
Pair our top blends with these food recommendations:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec are typically used in red blends, therefore similar food matches work well here. Although these wines can be powerful and substantial, they can also be gentler with elegant harmony and sophistication.
Red wine risotto with assorted mushrooms would be comfortingly delicious. The stylish beef Wellington with rich gravy works beautifully. Moreover, it’s a satisfying wine to finish a meal with aged cheeses and quince paste.
Chaffey Bros La Resistance GSM 2021
Variety: Red Blends
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Friendly, fun and suave – a BBQ delight.
The Fox and the Grapes Organic Shiraz Merlot 2022
Variety: Red Blends
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Organic and bright with red/black fruit spice and mocha.
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Variety: Red Blends
Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Classic blend with silken texture and intense perfume.
Best New Zealand Pinot Noir under $25
Pair our favourite Pinot Noirs with these foods:
Pinot Noir is lighter in colour and richness than some reds but does not lack in power to enhance a wide range of dishes. Fabulous with duck confit with duck fat roasted potatoes, rack of lamb with herb crust and meltingly delicious slow-cooked pork belly. It can partner poultry as well as beefy casseroles, and the iconic pizza margherita is absolutely yummy with Pinot.
Luna Estate Pinot Noir 2021
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Wairarapa, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Impressive Martinborough wine. Plush, savoury and silky.
Madam Sass Pinot Noir 2022
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Central Otago, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: "Sassy” with big attitude - a richly fruited, juicy and velvety wine.
Misty Cove Estate Pinot Noir 2021
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: A beguiling wine with lush fruit and universal appeal.
Montford Estate Pinot Noir 2021
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Concentrated with exotic perfume, ideal for a dinner party.
Stoneleigh Wild Valley Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Champion Pinot - textural, vibrant and exceptionally delicious.
Vavasour Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2021
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Exquisitely fragrant and engaging, bright and stylish.
Best New Zealand Shiraz & Syrah under $25
Pair the best Shiraz & Syrah with these foods:
New Zealand Syrah offers elegance and roundness, making it delightfully juicy and supple. Great with spaghetti bolognese, steak with black or green peppercorn sauce and meat-lover’s pizza.
The Aussie version, Shiraz, packs more oomph and richness, ideal with BBQ veggies and meats, roast lamb with dark gravy and beef cheek ragu with pappardelle. The strong flavour of the wine is a great match for strong cheeses, especially aged cheddar and washed-rind cheese.
Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 2021
Variety: Shiraz and Syrah
Region: Australia
Price: Under $25
Key notes: A stunning value Shiraz with rich fruit and chocolate flavours.
Squawking Magpie The Chatterer Syrah 2021
Variety: Shiraz and Syrah
Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Pure Syrah with sweet cherries and spices, showing elegant style and complexity.
Stables Hawke's Bay 2021 Reserve Syrah
Variety: Shiraz and Syrah
Region: Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Friendly and plump, it’s succulent and silky-smooth.
Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Shiraz 2019
Variety: Shiraz and Syrah
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Dark fruit richness leads the way to a long supple finish.
Best New Zealand Single Varietal Reds under $25
Mrs Q Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Variety: Single Varietal Red
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Luscious, full bodied and velvety, with rich fruit and oak spice.
Taylors Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Variety: Single Varietal Red
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Splendid Australian Cabernet, weighty, rich and full of flavour.
Trapiche Pure Black Malbec 2021
Variety: Single Varietal Red
Region: Argentina
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Argentinian speciality - plumb and ripe with smooth edges.
Yalumba Y Series Merlot 2021
Variety: Single Varietal Red
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Textbook Merlot that is rich and silky with lush fruit and spice.
Best white wines under $25
Enjoying a quiet night in, or hosting a gathering with friends? Choosing one of these award-winning white wines of New Zealand for under $25 will make any occasion more memorable.
Best New Zealand aromatic wines under $25
Mud House Single Vineyard Riesling 2022
Variety: Aromatics
Region: North Canterbury, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Champion Aromatic, zesty with juicy stone fruit and lime.
Seifried Nelson Gewürztraminer 2023
Variety: Aromatics
Region: Nelson, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Exquisite Nelson example with aromas of lychee, ginger and rose.
The Crater Rim Waipara Riesling 2018
Variety: Aromatics
Region: North Canterbury, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Flavoursome Riesling with stone fruit, mandarin, honey and spice.
Best New Zealand Chardonnay under $25
Ara Single Estate Chardonnay 2022
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Stylish and silky with bright citrus and great energy.
Beresford Classic Chardonnay 2022
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Australia
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Full-bodied Chardonnay with classy oak and a fresh finish.
Caythorpe Family Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2021
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Classic and beautifully balanced, a food-friendly Chardonnay.
Mission Estate Hawke's Bay 2022 Reserve Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Classy and concentrated with nectarine mandarin and subtle spice.
Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Chardonnay 2022
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Generous and approachable with toasty oak, lemon and brioche.
The Hunting Lodge Expressions Chardonnay 2022
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Mid-weight and compelling with floral, citrus notes and textural beauty.
Best New Zealand Pinot Gris under $25
Black Cottage Marlborough Pinot Gris 2023
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Pristine and aromatic with Asian pear, citrus peel and Gala apple notes.
Brancott Estate East Coast Pinot Gris 2023
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: Regional Blend
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Top Pinot Gris showing juicy pear flavours with a refreshing finish.
Misty Cove Estate Pinot Gris 2023
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Fruit forward and immediately likable, making it delightfully appealing.
Mount Riley Marlborough Pinot Gris 2023
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Finely textured and fruity, it’s friendly and supple with tasty flavours.
SOHO Ziggy Pinot Gris 2023
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Elegantly fruity Pinot Gris with a hint of spice - an ideal aperitif.
Waipara Hills Waipara Valley Pinot Gris 2023
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: North Canterbury, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Generously delicious, well suited to partner mildly spicy dishes.
Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc under $25
Enjoy one of our best Sauvignon Blanc wines with these food pairings:
With its punchy and upfront flavours with zesty mouthfeel, Sauvignon loves seafood of all kinds, especially mussel fritters, sashimi, smoked salmon and barbeque prawns. The wine can also handle mild spicy food with ease, such as Thai yellow and green curries. The classic Caprese salad of tomato, basil and mozzarella is a must-try with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
Anchorage Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Nelson, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: A superstar Sauvignon, it’s punchy and deliciously tasty.
Esk Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Crowd-pleasing, filled with classic crunchy apple and feijoa flavours.
Giesen Uncharted Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Upfront and intense, a great seafood partner.
Massey Dacta Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: With juicy lemons and fresh herbs, it’s vibrant and zesty.
Montford Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Style: Dry White Wine
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Packed with passionfruit, nectarine and grapefruit flavours.
Triplebank Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: With passionfruit and pineapple notes upfront, it’s vigorous and cheerful.
Best sparkling wines under $25
Looking for a pairing for sparkling wine?
The number one pick for celebration cheers. Bubbles are also versatile when it comes to food pairing, from freshly shucked oysters and prawn cocktails to fish & chips and loaded fries. Vietnamese fresh rolls and guacamole also work beautifully with the wine’s bright acidity. It’s also super comfortable with a cheese platter with spiced nuts, dried fruits and salty prosciutto.
Freixenet Prosecco DOC
Variety: Bubbles
Region: Italy
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Fabulous with zesty flavours and smooth texture.
Lindauer Special Reserve Brut Cuvée
Variety: Bubbles
Region: Regional Blend
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Stylish and elegant, a top-notch bubbles for any occasion.
Lindauer Special Reserve Rosé
Variety: Bubbles
Region: Regional Blend
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Strawberries and cream, super tasty and comforting.
Maison Blanc de Blanc
Variety: Bubbles
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Smooth and rounded with ripe citrus and stone fruit flavours.
Press & Bloom Prosecco
Variety: Bubbles
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: A light and lively Prosecco, finishing lingering and joyful.
Verde Brut
Variety: Bubbles
Region: Gisborne, New Zealand
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Splendidly appealing with delicious creamy mouthfeel.
Best Rosé wines under $25
Looking for a rosé food pairing?
This sunshine in a glass wine offers a myriad of options – great with antipasto platters and much more. Watermelon, mint and feta salad? Brilliant. Christmas ham with sticky glaze? Of course. Sushi with all kinds of fillings? Absolutely. Rosé offers juicy fruit intensity, which goes splendidly well with soft cheeses like brie and mozzarella, as well as a heart-warming spicy roasted-tomato soup.
Headline Acts Rosé 2022
Variety: Rosé
Region: Australia
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Groovy looking label with equally enticing strawberry and stone fruit flavours.
Les Jamelles Clair de Rosé 2022
Variety: Rosé
Region: France
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Classic French. It’s delicate and finely textured with a crisp-dry mouthfeel.
Old Coach Road Nelson Rosé 2023
Variety: Rosé
Region: Nelson, New Zealand
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Instantly appealing with dazzling fruity flavours.
Rosabel Rosé 2021
Variety: Rosé
Region: France
Price: Under $20
Key notes: A delightful modern French expression, it’s juicy and refreshing.
tē Pa Pinot Noir Rosé 2023
Variety: Rosé
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Gracefully slim with fine aromatics and a vibrant finish.
Thornbury Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2023
Variety: Rosé
Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Price: Under $20
Key notes: Stunningly charming - it’s beautifully scented with red berry, apple and floral nuances.
Explore New Zealand’s best wines
Hopefully, now you feel more confident to try a new style of wine, or your favourite wine variety from a new vineyard. As much as the Awards celebrate the achievements of our wine industry, a gold medal on the label ensures you’re getting the best quality, affordable wines in-store.
Learn more about each wine varietal in our wine varietals guide.
Ready to try some award-winning New Zealand wines? All of our Gold medal-winners are available now from your local New World.
Related articles:
Read our guide to the different types of wine
Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs
5 of the best Pinot Noirs of 2023
Best New Zealand wines for under $20
Jim Harré - about the author
After studying viticulture and winemaking at Hawkes Bay’s Eastern Institute of Technology, Jim worked several vintages, both in New Zealand and Internationally as a winemaker.
Identified as having a very good palate for quality assessment of wine, Jim has been a major part of New Zealand’s Wine Judging competitions for over 25 years. Now a well respected International Judge, he works as a Chair of Judges in Wine Competitions in USA, Japan, China, Australia and, of course, New Zealand.
He is also regarded as a world authority on the effect of how wine perception changes in aircraft, a panel chair at the world’s largest competition; the International Wine Challenge, held each year in London; as well as Wine Consultant to Air New Zealand.
It is Jim’s love of education and teaching people about wine that makes him one of New Zealand’s most recognised Wine professionals.