Triple trophy win for NZ wines at IWC

New Zealand wines have shone at The International Wine Challenge, winning three of the nine International Trophies.

Organisers of the IWC say the just announced 2025 medal and trophy results are sending “shockwaves” through the industry as ‘new world’ wines rise to challenge the long-standing dominance of the ‘old world’.   

This year’s International Trophy winners have turned expectations upside down with New Zealand claiming the crown for Merlot and Syrah (as well as Sauvignon Blanc), South Africa taking top honours for Cabernet Sauvignon and Australia winning the world’s best Chardonnay.  

Medals were awarded to 36 winemaking countries following the blind tasting by an international panel of nearly 250 experts last month.

New Zealand proved its growing dominance on the international winemaking scene, coming in at sixth place, winning 32 Gold medals (nine more than last year) as well as 121 Silvers, and 98 Bronzes. 

New Zealand also won three out of the nine International Trophies:
International Merlot Trophy - Church Road 1 Merlot 2021
International Syrah Trophy - Glenora Estate Syrah 2024
International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy - Villa Maria Reserve Coastal Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2024.  

W: See the full list of medal and trophy winners in the 2025 International Wine Challenge here.