For many of us, choosing a bottle of wine is all about our favourite variety and budget. It can be easy to get stuck in a rut, with only our most dependable drops in rotation, or get lost exploring – wandering the wine aisle, reading every bottle’s back label.
But now, thanks to the hard work of expert wine judges – who swirled, sniffed, sipped and scored more than 1,200 entries to find the winners
The list features the best-of-the-best Gold medal wines from the competition and all are under the award’s unique $25 price cap, making it one of the most accessible wine awards for everyday Kiwi consumers.
So, here’s a quick guide to the Top 50 to help you find a delicious and budget-friendly new favourite with ease. If you want to explore the full list – check it out here.
Winning white wines
Whether Chardonnay has already won you over, or your still deciding, the Top 50 is a great starting point. The Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Chardonnay 2022 is another repeat winner and super approachable, while the classy and compelling Mission Estate Hawkes Bay 2022 Reserve Chardonnay was described as a “Chardonnay-lovers dream!”
Or if you love the sweeter things in life, then go for an aromatic wine. They are great for a picnic with a summer salad, at home with a curry, or with a savoury cheese board before or after a meal. The Mud House Single Vineyard Riesling 2022 is a popular favourite or try boutique winery gem, The Crater Rim Waipara Riesling 2018.
Top rated reds
The exquisitely fragrant Pinot Noir wines in this year’s New World Wine Awards Top 50 are as delicious alongside a homemade spag bol as they are impressive for taking to a dinner party. The Stoneleigh Wild Valley Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 won the top marks as Champion in this variety, and also wins for value at $14.99.
For a Pinot that’s already dressed for the occasion, grab the Misty Cove Estate Pinot Noir 2021, a lush tasting wine with a sparkling label, or the Luna Estate Pinot Noir 2021, described as both plush and silky by the judges and stylishly labelled.
Two punchy Syrah (that’s New Zealand’s version of Shiraz), the Stables Hawkes Bay 2021 Reserve Syrah and Squawking Magpie The Chatterer Syrah 2021, capture the brilliant sunshine of the Hawkes Bay in a bottle, and both are great for matching with BBQ season. Or for an option from across the ditch, try the smooth and rich Australian flavours of the Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz 2021 or the Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Shiraz 2019.
There are many other classics reds and beguiling blends to explore too. The Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Yalumba Y Series Merlot 2021 and Taylors Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 are go-tos for flavour and value. Or for something different, try the Chaffey Bros La Resistance GSM 2021 – a French-inspired but Barossa-grown blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes that tastes of dark fruits and Asian spices.
Rosé
Just in time for summer, the Top 50 has luscious and fruity pink wines from New Zealand, like the tē Pa Pinot Noir Rosé 2023 and Old Coach Road Nelson Rosé 2023, as well as overseas delights including two from France, the home of Rosé. The Les Jamelles Clair de Rosé 2022 is classic and delicate, with a crisp dry finish while the Rosabel Rosé 2021 is a more modern expression – juicy and refreshing.
Bubbles
Whether a night in, over brunch with a dash of orange, or for a celebration – bubbles are on the menu for many in the run up to the festive season. For a trendy pick, try the Press and Bloom Prosecco – enticing, mellow and fun. For a toast-worthy occasion, you also can’t go past the Verde Brut or Lindauer Special Reserve Brut Cuvée, both repeat winners from one of New Zealand’s most awarded sparkling wine makers.
Shop the award-winning wines at your local New World and online now.
