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Marisco toasts IWC White Winemaker of the Year

One of New Zealand’s top winemakers has been recognised on the global stage as one of the best in the world – with the International Wine Challenge awarding Brent Marris of Marisco Vineyards (pictured above with daughter Emma) the coveted title of White Winemaker of the Year.

It is just the second time in 17 years that a New Zealander has won the award, which recognises winemakers who have achieved consistent excellence and outstanding quality across multiple entries in the International Wine Challenge competition.

Brent Marris says the win is incredibly meaningful. “This is likely to be the biggest accolade of my career. It’s such an internationally respected wine competition that to be recognised is truly humbling. It is a testament to the dedication of our team at Marisco Vineyards, and to the New Zealand wine industry as a whole.”

The 2025 International Wine Challenge saw the wider Marisco Vineyards portfolio awarded with Gold medals across Emma Marris, Leefield Station and The Ned wines, as well as IWC Great Value Champion White 2025 for The Ned Pinot Grigio 2024 and the Marlborough Chardonnay Trophy for Emma Marris Chardonnay 2023 and the Marlborough Pinot Noir Trophy for Emma Marris Pinot Noir 2023.

Distributor: Marisco

Michelob ULTRA - #1 beer in the USA - lands in NZ

Kiwi consumers can now try the #1-selling beer in the U.S. with the arrival of Michelob ULTRA, available in New Zealand through Hancocks.

Michelob ULTRA entered the U.S. market in 2002 and redefined the light beer category. In September this year it reached a new pinnacle, becoming America’s top-selling beer – claiming the #1 spot for the previous 52 weeks in retail channels, and leading in bars and restaurants too.1

Michelob ULTRA will be a key addition to New Zealand’s rapidly growing low carb category as Kiwi consumers continue to seek out more health-conscious beverage options.

With just 95 calories, 2.6 carbs and no artificial flavours or colours, Michelob ULTRA is a superior low carb beer that celebrates the active, balanced lifestyle of its drinkers.

Hancocks Senior Brand Manager John Yoo says it’s an exciting time to be bringing Michelob ULTRA to market in New Zealand. “It’s a real privilege to introduce the world’s No.1 low carb beer to New Zealand. We’re proud to welcome Michelob Ultra to the Hancocks family and are very excited to share this quality brand with Kiwi drinkers.”

(1: Circana MULC+ US L52W Volume w.e 9/14/25; Nielsen IQ On Premise Total US volume w.e 7/12/25)

Distributor: Hancocks

Motel Mezcal – from Oaxaca
to Aotearoa

Motel Mezcal, an artesanal mezcal brand born in Oaxaca, Mexico, has officially launched in New Zealand through an exclusive partnership with EuroVintage.

The brand introduces Kiwi drinkers to a spirit that bridges ancient tradition with contemporary culture, crafted under the watchful eye of Maestro Mezcalero Daniel López.

A third-generation mezcalero from Oaxaca, Lopez’s family has preserved artesanal methods for generations – cultivating agave, roasting underground on volcanic stones, crushing with a horse-drawn tahona, fermenting in open-air wooden vats, and distilling in copper pots – all natural without any additives.

The result is Motel Mezcal: a mezcal that is smooth and complex with a creamy mouthfeel and layers of herbaceous agave, ripe banana, pineapple, mild oak, and subtle smoke.

Motel Mezcal’s co-founder and CEO, Kiwi entrepreneur Henry Gordon, aims to bring López’s artistry to a global audience while ensuring the brand reflects values of sustainability (bottles are made from 100% recycled glass and packaging from recycled materials), creativity, and authenticity.

“New Zealanders are adventurous drinkers, and we believe they’ll connect deeply with both the flavour and the story behind Motel Mezcal,” says Gordon.

Distributor: EuroVintage