The Real Review names NZ’s top wineries for 2026
The Real Review has announced its ranking of the Top Wineries of New Zealand for 2026 with North Canterbury’s Bell Hill securing the top spot.
After an extensive tasting of nearly 4,000 wines, the 2026 list recognises producers consistently crafting outstanding wines, independently assessed by its New Zealand team of Masters of Wine, Stephen Wong MW and Jane Skilton MW.
The annual list serves as a national benchmark, showing how New Zealand’s favourite wineries rank among their peers based on their performance over the past two years of releases.
Placing number 12 in 2025, Bell Hill leapt to the top of the list this year, marking a significant rise for the North Canterbury producer.
The Real Review team says that the small but increasingly influential region is gaining international reputation, particularly for crafting spectacular wines at the confluence of meticulous farming, detail-oriented winemaking and innovative, open-minded philosophies.
“Bell Hill has firmly established itself at the forefront of New Zealand winemaking, with a series of releases that reflect both the precision of their site and the care taken at every stage of the process,” says Jane Skilton MW. “Drawing on North Canterbury’s exceptional limestone soils, their wines show remarkable depth, structure and finesse. The consistency and calibre across the range this year made them a clear standout.”
Marcel Giesen and Sherwyn Veldhuize of Bell Hill
Previously holding the winning title for two consecutive years (2025/2024) Felton Road remains highly regarded as runner up on the Top Wineries list. Prophets Rock (#3), Bilancia (#4), and Quartz Reef (#5) complete the top five.
Now in its second year, The Real Review’s Vigneron of the Year Award continues to recognise excellence in viticulture. The 2026 title was awarded to Rudi Bauer of Quartz Reef, widely considered a far-sighted pioneer of the Central Otago wine region, acknowledging his longstanding contribution to organic and biodynamic winegrowing. Clos Henri’s Damien Yvon and Kumeu River’s Michael Brajkovich MW were recognised as runners up in the category.
Cloudy Bay claimed Sparkling Wine of the Year for its Pelorus Vintage 2013, while Neudorf Home Block Moutere Chardonnay 2024 earned the title of White Wine of the Year. Red Wine of the Year went to Burn Cottage Sabines Selection Pinot Noir 2022, Chateau Garage Lulu Rosé 2025 secured the Rosé Wine of the Year spot. Greywacke Botrytis Pinot Gris 2023 won Sweet Wine of the Year.
In addition to these accolades, Jascha Oldham-Selak and Sanne Witteveen of Vilaura – a New Zealand méthode traditionnelle producer focused on single-vineyard, single-vintage, single-variety expressions – were honoured with the Rising Star of the Year award.
The Real Review Top 30 Wineries of New Zealand 2026
1. Bell Hill
2. Felton Road
3. Prophet’s Rock
4. Bilancia
5. Quartz Reef
6. Destiny Bay
7. Te Whare Ra Wines
8. Neudorf
9. Rippon
10. Te Mata Estate
11. Dry River Wines
12. Pyramid Valley Vineyards
13. Kusuda Wines
14. Black Estate
15. Framingham
16. Kumeu River
17. A Thousand Gods
18. Terra Sancta
19. Poppies Martinborough
20. Wild Irishman
21. Pegasus Bay
22. Burn Cottage
23. Chateau Garage
24. Craggy Range
25. Ata Rangi
26. Te Motu
27. Cloudy Bay
28. Siren Wine
29. Blank Canvas
30. Elephant Hill Estate
W: For the full list and associated awards visit The Real Review.
