Trophy results in the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand have been announced with a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc taking the Champion Wine of the Show title.
Opawa Sauvignon Blanc 2026 was awarded the top prize of the night, also picking up the Trophy for Champion Sauvignon Blanc.
Chair of Judges, Jane Cooper, commented that: “The 2026 vintage produced some stellar wines with incredible concentration and varietal richness. Viticulture and winemaking teams should feel very proud of the work they are doing and it thrills me to be here championing excellence in Aotearoa New Zealand wine.”
Established in 2022, the National Wine Awards is New Zealand’s only national wine competition and was created to identify, recognise and celebrate excellence in New Zealand wine.
It is owned by the Auckland Agricultural & Pastoral Association and run by the team behind the former Royal Easter Show Wine Awards.
Trophy winners - National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand 2026
Champion Wine of the Show
Opawa Sauvignon Blanc 2026
Champion Sauvignon Blanc
Opawa Sauvignon Blanc 2026
Champion Chardonnay
Kim Crawford Small Parcels Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2025
Champion Pinot Gris
Nautilus Pinot Gris 2026
Champion Riesling
Leefield Station Ridgeline Riesling 2026
Champion Gewürztraminer
Leefield Station The Gatherer Gewürztraminer 2026
Champion Other White Varieties
Mount Riley Limited Release Marlborough Albarino 2026
Champion Rosé
Soho Family Vineyards Harry Rosé 2026
Champion Sparkling
Hunter's MiruMiru™ Vintage 2022
Champion Sweet Wine
Forrest Botrytised Riesling 2026
Champion Pinot Noir
Grove Mill Pinot Noir 2025
Champion Syrah
Mudbrick Reserve Syrah 2025
Champion Merlot & Blends
Squawking Magpie Gravels Merlot Cabernet 2024
Champion Cabernet & Blends
Villa Maria Reserve Hawkes Bay Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2024
Champion Other Red Varieties
Nga Waka Martinborough Gamay 2025
Champion Export Wine
Mount Riley Limited Release Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2026
Heritage Rosebowl
Church Road Grand Reserve Syrah 2014 / 2019 / 2022
W: See full results at nationalwineawards
