The Aotearoa Regional Wine Awards has a proud history of celebrating excellence in New Zealand wine that began over 23 years ago.

Originally called the New Zealand Aromatic Wine Competition, in 2021 the competition changed its name to the Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition to reflect a change of focus from aromatic wines to celebrating all varietals.

Wines are judged on both varietal merit and regional characteristics, with a Regional Medal awarded to the highest scoring wine within each region.

Previously held at The George in Christchurch, the event is today part of the New Zealand Agricultural Show, under the auspices of the Canterbury A&P Show.

Wine regions include Auckland, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Marlborough, Tasman, Canterbury and Otago.

Last year’s event recorded the highest number of entrants in 10 years, with 392 wines entered.

JUDGING

Wines will be judged on 13 to 15 November at Canterbury Agricultural Park, Christchurch.

The winners will be judged under the internationally recognised 100-point system:
Gold: 95 points or more
Silver: 90-94 points
Bronze:  85-89 points.

Classes of wines:
Best in Show
Best Red Wine
Best White Wine

Best in Class:
Champion Chardonnay
Champion Emerging Red Wines
Champion Emerging White Wines
Champion Fortified Wines
Champion Gewürztraminer
Champion Pinot Gris
Champion Pinot Noir
Champion Red Blends
Champion Riesling
Champion Rosé
Champion Sauvignon Blanc
Champion Single Varietals
Champion Sparkling Wines
Champion Sweet Wines
Champion Syrah / Shiraz
Champion Wines – Low / Reduced Alcohol

Best in Region:
Auckland
Canterbury
Gisborne
Hawke’s Bay
Marlborough
Nelson
Northland
Otago
Tasman
Waikato/Bay of Plenty
Waiheke Island
Wairarapa
Waitaki Valley