IWC triumph for New Zealand

New Zealand has stood out at this year’s International Wine Challenge with a Champion Winemaker award, three International Varietal Trophy Wines and 32 Gold medals.

New Zealand won the International Merlot Trophy for Church Road 1 Merlot 2021, the International Syrah Trophy for Glenora Estate Syrah 2024, and the International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy for Villa Maria Reserve Coastal Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2024.

Brent Marris, founder and winemaker of Marisco Vineyards, earned the title of IWC White Winemaker of the Year, marking just the second time New Zealand has won the award. 

“To be recognised with such an accolade in a global competition is truly humbling,” said Marris. “It is a testament to the dedication of our team at Marisco Vineyards, and also to the New Zealand wine industry as a whole.”

New Zealand wines won 32 Golds, 121 Silvers, and 98 Bronzes at IWC 2025.

Top NZ wines at IWC 2025

Church Road 1 Merlot 2021
International Merlot Trophy, New Zealand Merlot Trophy, Gimblett Gravels Merlot Trophy

Glenora Estate Syrah 2024
International Syrah Trophy, New Zealand Syrah, Waiheke Island Syrah Trophy

Villa Maria Reserve Coastal Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2024
International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Trophy

Clos Ostler Caroline’s Pinot Noir 2021
New Zealand Red Trophy, New Zealand Pinot Noir Trophy, North Otago Pinot Noir Trophy

Church Road Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2022
New Zealand White Trophy, New Zealand Chardonnay Trophy, Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay Trophy

Brancott Estate Letter Series B Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Late Harvest Dessert Trophy

W: See the full list of winners at internationalwinechallenge.com