Family-owned Marlborough winery No.1 Family Estate has won two major titles at the 2026 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships.
Its NV No.1 Cuvée Magnum was awarded World Champion Brut NV and National Champion Best New Zealand Sparkling Wine at the event in England.
The 2026 CSWWC attracted 1,000 sparkling wines from 18 countries, judged over 11 days at Goodnestone Park in Kent. A total of 156 Gold and 237 Silver medals were awarded. No.1 Family Estate also achieved three Gold medals across its wines at this year’s competition.
“Being judged by a group of international experts and compared to the best sparkling wines in the world is immensely rewarding for our small family company,” says producer and founder Daniel Le Brun. “The result of a team effort to reach the highest standard of craftsmanship, totally dedicated to producing one single style of wine.”
A double accolade for No.1 Family Estate’s NV No.1 Cuvée Magnum at the 2026 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships.
No.1 Family Estate Winemaker Lee Dobson says the Magnum is a wonderful format for traditional-method sparkling wine. “Its larger size offers a different ageing environment, helping preserve freshness while allowing the wine to develop greater depth and complexity.
“After six and a half years on lees, the wine has developed richness, structure and yeast-derived complexity. Disgorged with zero dosage, it allows the natural fruit, freshness and structure to shine through. It is a great example of what patience and careful winemaking can achieve.”
