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 $30 to include more quality wines in the competition. This compilation helps you find the best tasting wines in New Zealand for under $30.
Related article:
Read our guide to New Zealand Wine Styles
Best red wines under $30
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 Blend under $30
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.
Squawking Magpie The Chatterer Merlot Cabernet 2022
Variety: Red Blends
Price: Under $30
Key notes: A classic Bordeaux blend that is punchy, flavoursome, and vibrant.
Best New Zealand Pinot Noir under $30
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.
Hãhã 2024 Marlborough Pinot Noir
Variety: Pinot Noir
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Richly expressive Pinot Noir bursting with pretty florals and generous fruit.
Mountford Estate Pinot Noir 2021
Variety: Pinot Noir
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Poised and plush with savoury spice and a velvety texture.
RUA Pinot Noir 2023
Variety: Pinot Noir
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Fruit, spice and everything nice from Central Otago.
The Crater Rim Waipara Pinot Noir 2021
Variety: Pinot Noir
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Nicely aged Pinot Noir with dark fruit, leather and a chewy finish.
Three Paddles Pinot Noir 2024
Variety: Pinot Noir
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Sophisticated with layers of dark fruit, dried herbs and a velvety texture.
Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir Marlborough 2023
Variety: Pinot Noir
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Vibrant with ripe cherry and raspberry aromas, with a smooth silky palate.
Related article:
Best white wines under $30
Enjoying a quiet night in, or hosting a gathering with friends? Choosing one of these award-winning white wines of New Zealand for under $30 will make any occasion more memorable.
Best New Zealand aromatic wines under $30
Mount Riley Gewurztraminer 2025
Variety: Aromatics
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Fragrant and fresh with medium-body and a dry finish.
The Hunting Lodge Seasonal Albarino Marlborough 2025
Variety: Aromatics
Price: Under $30
Key notes: A stylish Champion White Wine that is textural and bright with stonefruit and fresh lime.
Wither Hills Marlborough Riesling 2024
Variety: Aromatics
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Dry with succulent white peach, lemon and a refreshing finish.
Best New Zealand Chardonnay under $30
Brancott Estate Letter Series O Chardonnay 2024
Variety: Chardonnay
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Creamy texture and flinty freshness with complex layers of classy goodness!
Lake Chalice The Raptor Chardonnay 2023
Variety: Chardonnay
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Bright acid, a creamy texture and delicious orchard fruit aromas.
Main Divide Chardonnay, North Canterbury 2024
Variety: Chardonnay
Price: Under $30
Key notes: A rich style with complex aromas and a dreamy texture.
Mount Riley Chardonnay 2024
Variety: Chardonnay
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Complex with ripe citrus and toasty oak, offering a well-balanced and inviting character.
Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Chardonnay 2024
Variety: Chardonnay
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Ripe and vibrant with notes of juicy white peach and zesty grapefruit, finishing with a clean, refined elegance.
te Pā Chardonnay 2023
Variety: Chardonnay
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Stylish and fresh with bright citrus and great energy.
Best New Zealand Pinot Gris under $30
Astrolabe Marlborough Pinot Gris 2024
Variety: Pinot Gris
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Aromatic and bright with concentrated stonefruit, delicate spice and a fine texture.
Black Cottage Pinot Gris 2024
Variety: Pinot Gris
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Plush and fruity with a juicy long crisp finish.
Dashwood Pinot Gris 2024
Variety: Pinot Gris
Price: Under $30
Key notes: A real crowd pleaser with delicious fruit, spice and endless charm.
McArthur Ridge Falls Dam 2024
Variety: Pinot Gris
Price: Under $30
Key notes: A Central Otago stunner that is textural and tangy with a dry finish.
Russian Jack Pinot Gris 2025
Variety: Pinot Gris
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Exquisite texture and aromatics - tropical fruit salad in a glass!
Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc under $30
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.
Babydoll Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Playful, fresh and tangy with a touch of salinity.
Church Road Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Price: Under $30
Key notes: A delicious tropical Sauvignon Blanc from sunny Hawkes Bay.
Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 750ml 2025
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Classic and fresh with floral scents and a succulent lemony finish.
Vavasour Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Classic Sauvignon Blanc with citrus purity and a mineral edge.
Waimea Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Crisp and refreshing with hints of citrus, tropical fruit, and a clean, mineral finish perfect with grilled fish and lemon.
Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Opulent with intense fruit and herb aromas and salty acidity.
Best sparkling wines under $30
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.
Awatere River Methode Traditionnelle NV
Variety: Bubbles
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Soft, complex bubbles with a velvety texture and great length.
Canti Prosecco DOC NV
Variety: Bubbles
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Fruity and floral with delicate bubbles and a dry, crisp finish.
Lindauer Special Reserve Brut NV
Variety: Bubbles
Price: Under $30
Key notes: A complex and delicious Champion Sparkling with a perfumed nose and creamy texture.
Best Rosé wines under $30
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.
SOHO HARRY Rosé, Marlborough 2024
Variety: Rosé
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Our Champion Rosé Stylish and fresh with creamy strawberry and great length.
Listel Rosé 2024
Variety: Rosé
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Crisp and refreshing - liquid sunshine from the Mediterranean coast.
OTU Estate Rosé 2025
Variety: Rosé
Price: Under $30
Key notes: Perfumed and high energy with bright berry flavours and a candy apple finish.
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 2025