On The Up: Felton Road named top winery for 2025, wins second year in a row

Stephanie Holmes, Editor – Lifestyle Brands NZ Herald | May, 2025

New Zealand's top 50 wineries have been named in an annual awards list.
New Zealand’s top 50 wineries have been named in an annual awards list.
Blair Walter, winemaker from Central Otago winery Felton Road.
Blair Walter, winemaker from Central Otago winery Felton Road.
Destiny Bay, a winery on Auckland's Waiheke Island.
Destiny Bay, a winery on Auckland’s Waiheke Island.
Stephen Wong, MW, from The Real Review, an online wine critic platform.
Stephen Wong, MW, from The Real Review, an online wine critic platform.
Anna and Jason Flowerday from Te Whare Ra winery
Anna and Jason Flowerday from Te Whare Ra winery

Simon Sharpe and Lauren Keenan of Marlborough winery A Thousand Gods
Simon Sharpe and Lauren Keenan of Marlborough winery A Thousand Gods

Expert judges have crowned the top 50 wineries for 2025, with a Central Otago winery taking the top spot for the second year running.

Online wine critic platform The Real Review has named Bannockburn’s Felton Road as Winery of the Year.

“In a competitive field, Felton Road continues to lead by example,” says judge Stephen Wong, MW.

“Their wines are defined by purity, balance and a deep respect for the land.”

Wong says the second consecutive win reflects the winery’s “continuous improvement” that “sets a benchmark for the industry”.

The annual top wineries list recognises excellence across the country.

Wong says Kiwi wine-drinkers can use the list to give them “a clear sense of who is leading the way in New Zealand winemaking right now”.

Waiheke’s Destiny Bay took the runner-up spot this year, with Te Whare Rā and Framingham (both from Marlborough) and Martinborough’s Dry River rounding out the top five.

This year’s awards introduced a new “Best in Class” category, celebrating excellence across various wine styles. The inaugural winners were Quartz Reef‘s Methode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blancs 2017 for Sparkling Wine of the Year; Prophet’s Rock Cuvée Aux Antipodes Blanc 2022 for White Wine of the Year; Doctors Flat Pinot Noir 2021 for Red Wine of the Year; and Astrolabe’s Wrekin Vineyard Late Harvest Chenin Blanc 2022 for Sweet Wine of the Year.

It is also the first time a Vigneron of the Year award has been presented, recognising excellence in viticulture.

Anna and Jason Flowerday of Marlborough’s certified organic winery, Te Whare Rā, are the inaugural winners.

“Highlighting individual wines and the people behind them allows us to tell a fuller story of New Zealand wine’s journey,” says Wong.

“As our industry matures, it’s vital we recognise not just the wines, but the people and philosophies shaping them.”

Wong says the Flowerdays were recognised because of their “deep connection between vineyard and bottle”, praising their commitment to sustainability while retaining a commitment to striving for excellence.

Rounding out the awards, Simon Sharpe and Lauren Keenan of Marlborough winery A Thousand Gods were awarded the Rising Star of the Year.

Enthusiasts can sample 80 of this year’s award-winning wines and meet the winemakers at a tasting event in Auckland on June 7, with tickets available via The Real Review’s website.

NZ wineries will be further recognised in August, with Viva’s own Top 50 wine awards, judged by Viva Wine Editor Dr Jo Burzynska.

The full 2024 list of winners can be found at viva.co.nz.

See the Real Review’s Top 50 Wineries of New Zealand 2025 below:


1. Felton Road – Bannockburn, Central Otago
2. Destiny Bay – Waiheke Island, Auckland
3. Te Whare Rā Wines – Renwick, Marlborough
4. Framingham – Renwick, Marlborough
5. Dry River Wines – Martinborough, Wairarapa
6. Prophet’s Rock – Bendigo, Central Otago
7. Te Mata Estate – Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay
8. Rippon – Wanaka, Central Otago
9. Ata Rangi – Martinborough, Wairarapa
10. Pyramid Valley Vineyards – Waikari, North Canterbury
11. Craggy Range – Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay
12. Bell Hill – Waikari, North Canterbury
13. Obsidian – Waiheke Island, Auckland
14. Hans Herzog Estate – Rapaura, Marlborough
15. Kusuda Wines – Martinborough, Wairarapa
16. Church Road – Napier, Hawke’s Bay
17. Rockburn Wines – Cromwell, Central Otago
18. Elephant Hill Estate – Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay
19. Villa Maria – Auckland
20. Smith & Sheth – Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay
21. Cloudy Bay – Blenheim, Marlborough
22. Fromm Winery – Blenheim, Marlborough
23. Bilancia – Hawke’s Bay
24. Neudorf – Upper Moutere, Nelson
25. Gibbston Valley Wines – Gibbston, Central Otago
26. Wild Irishman – Gibbston, Central Otago
27. Siren Wine – Marlborough
28. Corofin – Blenheim, Marlborough
29. Terra Sancta – Bannockburn, Central Otago
30. Blank Canvas – Marlborough
31. A Thousand Gods – Marlborough
32. Tantalus Estate – Waiheke Island, Auckland
33. Mt Difficulty Wines – Bannockburn, Central Otago
34. Puriri Hills – Clevedon, Auckland
35. Greystone Wines – Waipara, North Canterbury
36. Black Estate – North Canterbury
37. Charteris – Central Otago
38. Radburnd Cellars – Hawke’s Bay
39. Doctors Flat – Central Otago
40. Isabel Estate – Marlborough
41. Dog Point Vineyard – Marlborough
42. Batch Winery – Waiheke Island, Auckland
43. Giesen Wine Estate – Marlborough
44. Forager Wine – Marlborough
45. Valli – Central Otago
46. Man O’ War Vineyards – Waiheke Island, Auckland
47. Astrolabe Wines – Marlborough
48. Mudbrick – Waiheke Island, Auckland
49. Clos Henri – Marlborough
50. The Boneline – North Canterbury

Top Wineries of New Zealand 2025 and award winners announced

Stephen Wong MW in The Real Review | May 12, 2025

It is that time of year—the culmination of a year’s worth of tastings and reviews, averaging just under 2,000 wines annually, to bring you The Real Review Top Wineries of New Zealand 2025.

This year’s list showcases 141 producers at the top of their game in Aotearoa New Zealand. We also see several new entrants to the list, including some newer producers who are making waves with different varieties and styles.

What we hope this list will do is introduce you to the true breadth and diversity which is possible in New Zealand wine.

 Felton Road winemaker Blair Walter TRR
Felton Road winemaker Blair Walter TRR

However, it’s not all change and certainly not for change’s sake! After running The Real Review’s algorithm across all of the tasting notes for the past two years, when the dust settled, Felton Road re-emerged as the Winery of the Year, with Destiny Bay also retaining its position at number two. I cover the reasons for Felton Road retaining their top spot in a separate article published later this week. In third spot is Te Whare Ra from Marlborough.

Significant gains were made by South Island producers who had a less challenging vintage in 2023 than their cousins in the north. This was mostly at the expense of Hawke’s Bay producers who bore the brunt of Cyclone Gabrielle that year, destroying vineyards, buildings and vines.

 Destiny Bay Wines on Waiheke Island
Destiny Bay Wines on Waiheke Island

Despite the challenges, there were some beautiful wines snatched from the jaws of defeat, as amply demonstrated by Te Mata Estate rising to seventh place. I also cover the specific effects of this vintage disparity between north and south in a separate piece.

Looking at the most visible changes to the rankings, Central Otago continues to strengthen its position on the list. Last year, the region stood out for claiming 23% of the list. This year, it is represented by 42 producers (who are either wholly or partly in the region as some own vineyards in multiple regions). This translates to 29.7% which is a reflection of a seemingly unbroken run of good vintages for the region, increased uptake of organic and regenerative farming, investment from both existing and new interests.

Jason and Anna Flowerday of Te Whare Ra Wines.
Jason and Anna Flowerday of Te Whare Ra Wines.

Another region which is punching above its weight is North Canterbury, which now claims 10 wineries on the list, or 7.1% of the total (up from 5.7% a year ago). For comparison, it represents 3% of the country’s total vineyard planted area. Despite the difficulties of 2023, the Wairarapa (which also has 3% of the national vineyard) held its ground, with 14 producers representing 10% of the total list. Those holding down the fort will be looking forward to the 2024s entering the market, with all signs pointing to it being a spectacular vintage for the region.

The other region to note in all of this is Marlborough, whose story is hidden in the details. Despite having the lion’s share of the list (admittedly, they do have the overwhelming majority of the country’s planted area), the wineries which have climbed into the top ranks are not all known for their sauvignon blanc. In fact, a few of them don’t even release one at all, and several of those who do make sauvignon do not make it in the typical style of the region’s calling card.

This is not to deride New Zealand’s most identifiable and commercially successful style of wine but rather to point out that the behemoth of Marlborough is more diverse and detailed than many think. The wineries who have made into the top echelons of the list are as committed to making excellent pinot noir, outstanding chardonnay, arresting aromatics and effusive sparkling wines on top of their benchmark sauvignons.

Over the past few weeks, we have also introduced you to the finalists for our new awards categories; Vigneron of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, and five Wines of the Year in different styles. We are delighted to announce the winners for all eight of these awards at the end of this article. And to address the elephant in the room, yes, all of the winners are producers in Central Otago or Marlborough (A Thousand Gods have their winery in Canterbury but their wines are all from the Churton Vineyard in the Southern Valleys of Marlborough).

This was not a deliberate statement or an intended result; however, we judged each category on their own against their peers and in each case the panel selected the wine or producer they felt best embodied the spirit and substance of the award. It is perhaps a testament to the great work being done in these two regions that they have claimed all the awards between them, but it should not be overlooked that great wine and good work is being made throughout the country—as can be clearly seen in the wider diversity in the list of finalists.

What we hope the Top Wineries list will do is introduce you to the true breadth and diversity which is possible in New Zealand wine, and invite you to celebrate the wonderful wealth of great wine made in Aotearoa. Happy reading!

Taste the Top Wineries of New Zealand 2025

Join TRR in celebrating the Top Wineries of New Zealand. Meet the winemakers and taste their must-try wines at TRR tasting event and dinner. Auckland: Dinner (Thu 5 June)  | Tasting (Sat 7 June)

IMBIBE Mermaidary tracks the rise of the ‘heartbreak grape’ pinot noir

@April NZ House and Garden 

The ‘heartbreak grape’ Pinot Noir
The ‘heartbreak grape’ Pinot Noir

Pinot noir is a beloved wine variety in NZ, favoured for its elegantly balanced fruit, florals and lithe profile. It’s an elegant wine so is easy to love – but hard to grow, hence being nicknamed the ‘heartbreak grape’. Its thin-skinned and susceptible to disease, so it took brave wine-making visionaries to attempt to grow pinot here in NZ. Early champions of the wine were told that they were mad.

Luckily for pinot lovers, one such ‘madman’ didn’t listen. Irishman Alan Brady came to Central Otago and planted pinot on a small plot in Gibbston Valley, despite people telling him repeatedly it would had produced the first modern commercial pinot noir in 1973 from Canterbury-grown grapes).

There was no looking back and pinot planting in the region surged from less than 150ha in 1990 to 2000ha by the year 2000. Alan is respected as the godfather of NZ pinot noir and at almost 90 was present at the recent Pinot Noir Conference in Christchurch still with a thirst for knowledge and the desire to share what he has learned along the way.

The three-day event was an opportunity to be inspired by the NZ pinot noir journey and to plan the future for this exciting wine variety.

Today, NZ’s pinot plantings exceed 5700ha. Pinot noir grapevines like a cool climate and thrive in all wine regions from the Wairarapa south as well as in higher altitude regions of Hawke’s Bay. The largest concentration of plantings is in Marlborough.

There is no question that pinot noir is NZ’s most important red grape, so making this wine well represents a level of skill in growing and wine-making that not all wine regions are capable of, regardless of climate. It truly is a reflection of just how special NZ wine is and we want the world to know.

Cloudy Bay, clear vision: the roundabout story of New Zealand’s most famous wine

Douglas Blyde 17Apr 2025 | The London Standard

‘After our first vintage, my Italian viticulture professor came over with tears in his eyes’

The founder of Cloudy Bay wine, David Hohnen, has teamed up with entrepreneur Rupert Clevely — of Geronimo Inns fame — and the Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative to launch Marlborough Heartland, a Sauvignon Blanc which captures the essence of a remarkable landscape.

Hohnen doesn’t just move through the wine world, he tears through it on a motorbike. Literally. In 1969, aged 20, he rode from Adelaide to Sydney, loaded his bike onto a P&O liner, and crossed the Pacific to California, petrol still sloshing in the tank. He landed in Fresno, a dusty, agricultural outpost in the Central Valley, where the local university offered five-acre student vineyards and a neglected teaching winery which hadn’t produced a drinkable drop in years. That changed when Hohnen got the keys.

“They gave me five acres of Carignan and told me to get on with it,” he says. “The winery was a mess. I spent three months scrubbing tanks. After our first vintage, my Italian viticulture professor — a good man called Vince Petrucci — came over with tears in his eyes and said, ‘Thank you, this is the first wine I’ve been able to drink from this place.”’ Hohnen was hooked.

Back in Western Australia by 1970, Hohnen helped plant the early vines which became Cape Mentelle. There was no blueprint, just instinct, energy and the conviction that wine ought to express something beyond itself. “In ‘74 we had our first real vintage. ‘78 was terrific — critic James Halliday gave us a great write-up. We were in a shed, crude kit, but the wines had promise.”

Then, in 1983, he was ambushed by a grape. A few bottles left by visiting Kiwi winemakers turned everything. He says: “It wasn’t just good – it was electrifying.”

Armed with curiosity and air miles donated by his brother Mark, Hohnen zigzagged across New Zealand in search of the right spot for Sauvignon Blanc. Gisborne was too lush. Hawke’s Bay, too humid. Then came Marlborough. “It was brown. Dry. Sunlit. I thought, “Gotcha!”’

From trout to triumph

By 1985, Cloudy Bay was born; funded by a brutal million-dollar loan at 23.5 per cent interest. The decision was sealed after Hohnen’s brother’s business partner, Simon Fraser (of the Loch Ness Frasers), caught a trophy trout on a fishing trip in the area. “I always said Cloudy Bay owes it to a fish.”

They built the winery at speed, introduced a tilt-up slab technique that had never been used in New Zealand, and sent grapes north to Kevin Judd, the pioneering winemaker Hohnen had met at a wine show in Auckland. The 1985 vintage was blended with a little Riesling and Semillon, allowing it to age gracefully. “It worked,” says Hohnen says. “People still remember their first glass.”

Cloudy Bay wasn’t launched. It bolted onto the scene: “People thought we contrived the allocation. We didn’t. It was a runaway horse. I just sat firm in the saddle, held the reins, and tried to steer.” Demand constantly outpaced supply. “Probably never caught up in my time.”

Veuve Clicquot came calling. Under the stewardship of Joseph Henriot, and later Cécile Bonnefond, Cloudy Bay thrived. “They were smart. Understood wine. Understood brand. Let us get on with it.”

By 2000, Hohnen found himself Chairman and MD of both Cape Mentelle and Cloudy Bay. “Not my choice of title. For a country hick, it sat heavy. I decided to leave. Should’ve gone straight away. Instead, I stuck around for the handover — the worst mistake I ever made.”

He drifted, gloriously. Raised free-range pigs with real care, railing against their status as “the four-legged chooks of the world.” Then came the charcuterie, but done properly: low intervention, slow drying, clean, honest flavours.

The return

In 2022, Cloudy Bay called him back. They’d rebuilt the original winery as a visitor centre and named it the Founder’s Centre. “It was emotional. We’d parted well, and we’re friends again now.”

He had one last idea: enter Marlborough Heartland – a new label, made in collaboration with Rupert Clevely (of Geronimo Inns) and the Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative, a formidable alliance of 80 growers who usually make bulk wine.

“They do 16 million litres a year,” Hohnen says. “I said, let’s make something special. We picked eight vineyards on deep pebble soils in the central Wairau Valley – the black country. That’s where the best Sauvignon comes from. Ripe, not green. No tomato leaf. Just bright fruit, full palate, lovely tingle. For just over a tenner, it speaks.”

His daughter, Freya — top of her class, a seasoned winemaker, and mother of two — is on the blending bench. “She does the high notes. I do the low. You’ve got to have both.”

A sense of place

What’s in the name? Like Cape Mentelle or Cloudy Bay, it’s geographical. “Some said ‘Cloudy’ sounded like cloudy wine. They were wrong. Place matters. It grounds you.”

Today, the second vintage of Marlborough Heartland is sailing towards England. Sainsbury’s has backed it. The supermarket’s wine agency partner, Watermill Wines, helped secure the listing. “They’ve got the buyers. We’ve got the story.”

And what a story. Cloudy Bay went on to become the world’s best-known white wine. No fuss, no spin, just magnetic Marlborough Sauvignon bottled by a man who listened when the land spoke.

Says Hohnen: “I’ve never had anything from New Zealand. But that’s because I’m Australian. Not sure they like to admit an Aussie created their most famous wine. Doesn’t matter. I’m just happy to be back.”

What’s next? “I don’t look back. I’ve made mistakes, sure. But winemaking is a privilege. You meet good people — real people — farmers whose wealth comes from the earth. Not suits.”

If he could share a bottle with anyone? “It’d be family. Always family. Someone once said, “Without family, you’d have to fight with strangers!” We’ve done pretty well.”

So ends this chapter, with the vines back under his feet and the Marlborough sun on his face. David Hohnen, still steering the horse. Still making the wine speak…

Wine in 2025: key trends to shape the global industry

Sophie Arundel db | 7 January 2025

From experiential marketing to bright whites, 2025 is set to see trends prioritising wellness, innovation and sustainability, according to a report by AF&CO.

As we look ahead to wine in 2025, the industry is undergoing a transformation driven by shifting consumer preferences, climate challenges, and generational tastes. From low-alcohol wines to experiential offerings, here are the trends that will define the year ahead, based on insights from the AF&CO + Carbonate Trends Report 2025.

Chenin Blanc leads the charge in bright whites

White wines are poised for continued growth in 2025, outpacing reds globally. Beyond mainstays like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, under-the-radar varieties are gaining attention. Chenin Blanc is emerging as a standout, combining the crispness of Sauvignon Blanc with Chardonnay’s complexity, making it both versatile and age-worthy.

In the Loire Valley, where Chenin Blanc thrives, producers predict its plantings will surpass Sauvignon Blanc, thanks to its resilience in a warming climate. Bourgueil, traditionally a red wine appellation, has begun lobbying for a high-quality designation for its Chenin Blanc wines, signalling the grape’s resurgence. Across the Atlantic, California winemakers and Washington’s Chateau Ste. Michelle are spearheading a revival of Chenin Blanc in the United States, further broadening its appeal.

Innovative whites such as White Malbec from Argentina and White Pinot Noir from Oregon are also reshaping the category, offering fresh, unexpected options for adventurous drinkers.

Low-alcohol wines for wellness-conscious consumers

Health and wellness trends continue to influence the wine industry, with low-alcohol wines gaining momentum. Brands such as Duckhorn, Kendall Jackson, and Kim Crawford have introduced reduced-alcohol ranges to appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking moderation without sacrificing flavour.

Similarly, Chilean wine brand Casillero del Diablo, owned by Concha y Toro, has launched its first alcohol-free wine in the UK market with the introduction of a de-alcoholised sparkling wine.

The trend aligns with the broader movement towards mindful drinking, as consumers increasingly look for wines that complement their lifestyles.

Alternative formats and sweet wines

Cans, magnums, and other packaging formats are resonating with younger consumers prioritising convenience and sustainability. Additionally, sweeter wines with lower alcohol are successfully drawing in new drinkers. Inspired by global flavour trends, these approachable wines tap into the popularity of sweet and spicy combinations, broadening wine’s appeal to diverse audiences.

Experience-driven consumption

Wineries are moving beyond traditional tastings to create immersive, memorable experiences. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are drawn to events where wine is part of a larger narrative. From art installations to retro-inspired social hours, wineries like Bella Union in Napa Valley are aiming to engage younger consumers through unique on site tasting spaces, and features like outdoors after hours bars.

Sustainability and adaptation

Sustainability remains a critical focus as climate change impacts vineyard management and consumer priorities. The shift towards resilient grape varieties, such as Chenin Blanc, reflects efforts to adapt to changing growing conditions. At the same time, eco-friendly packaging and practices are increasingly integral to marketing strategies aimed at environmentally conscious consumers.

New Zealand wine sales in US increase, for 16th year in a row

Morningreport | 21 April 2023

Sales of New Zealand wine have increased in the US – “a bright spot in an otherwise declining import sector”, the New Zealand Winegrowers industry body says.

The increase, for 2024, marks the sixteenth year in a row that retail sales of New Zealand wines within the US have gone up, the new report from alcohol sales analysts Impact Databank. And it comes on the heels of threats from US president Donald Trump to impose a 200 percent tariff on alcohol imported from European Union countries, amid unfolding international trade tensions.

New Zealand Winegrowers director Fabian Yukich told Morning Report it was promising news, amidst otherwise challenging conditions.

“That publication goes out to a lot of people who make decisions about buying New Zealand wine, so it’s pretty important … that we’re getting all this good news from the US right now, where things are otherwise a bit gloomy in other parts of the industry … people see it and they say, well we better order some more New Zealand wine,” Yukich said.

New Zealand is particularly known for the “flavours and aromas” of our sauvignon blank, he said.

“If you look at it from a global perspective, we are less than 2 percent of the world’s production – the trend at the moment is moving away from red wines and towards white wines, and it’s moving towards those more aromatic fresh white wines, so the trend is all in New Zealand’s favour.”

“So the wine’s that we make they are also very sustainably made, and we do take a lot of time to promote that around the world, and that is also in our favour because people do like to buy wines that are sustainably produced.”

Yukich said despite retail sales in the US increasing, retailers were being slow to restock New Zealand wine on their shelves, “and we are feeling that a little bit in New Zealand.”

“They’re unstocking – so that means less sales in the short term … less imports from New Zealand at the moment … but the outlook in the long term is good. Just about every other country’s sales at retail level are reducing, and wine in general is reducing – against that backdrop New Zealand wine is increasing … the long term picture is good.”

Picking has just begun for this season’s sauvignon blanc, but in the face of declining consumption in New Zealand and international, some growers in Marlborough have recently been advised to leave some of their crop unpicked.

“In the last three years we’ve had three massive crops, that Mother Nature has delivered – and this year’s no different to 2022 and 2023, where the vines are delivering a lot of grapes,” Yukich said.

“And the wine companies are saying ‘well look, we need to temper that against what is actually being exported out of the country’.

“It’s not great news for our growers… but the long term outlook is good.”

Kiwi winemaker takes top accolade in the Sakura Japan Women’s Wine Awards

Winemaker Diana Katardzhieva “Best Woman Winemaker” 2025 Sakura Women’s Wine Awards

Winemaker Diana Katardzhieva “Best Woman Winemaker” 2025 Sakura Women’s Wine Awards
Winemaker Diana Katardzhieva “Best Woman Winemaker” 2025 Sakura Women’s Wine Awards

Whitehaven Senior Winemaker Diana Katardzhieva has been named “Best Woman Winemaker” for still white wines at the 2025 Sakura Women’s Wine Awards.

Both the 2024 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc and 2023 Chardonnay were also awarded the top accolade of Diamond Trophy.

Now in its 12th year, the event attracted 3,969 entries from 36 countries and was judged by 430 female wine judges (280 in Tokyo and 150 in Osaka).

Katardzhieva is one of nine female winemakers to receive the award, and one of only two New Zealand female winemakers to make the list.

Diana, who has been at Whitehaven for over 20 years, says the recognition is “proof that years of tasting, tweaking, and the occasional barrel pep talk can pay off.”

She goes on to credit women in general and her wider team, saying “[the award is a] wonderful reminder of the amazing things women are accomplishing in the wine industry.

“Great wine is a team effort, and I see the award as recognition not only of myself, but of the fruit quality from our vineyards and growers, and the effort of the Whitehaven team.

“The fact this wine is judged by a talented group of women, makes this even more special… Especially since we all know women are usually the ones choosing the wine anyway!”

Gisborne winemaker cancels harvest after motorcycle accident

Gisborne Herald 12th Feb 2025

Gisborne winemaker Geoff Wright has been forced to cancel this year’s grape harvest after breaking his leg in a motorcycle accident.

Wright, who owns Wrights Vineyard and Winery with wife Nicola, was set to begin picking their organically grown grapes at Ormond and Manutūkē — usually one of the first harvests in the district. But an accident on his Ormond property last Thursday left him with multiple fractures in his right leg. “I’m currently in Gisborne Hospital, waiting for surgery,” he said. He has been advised he won’t be able to drive or operate machinery for the next two to three months, ruling him out of running for this year’s vintage.

Nicola Wright shared the news on social media. “It’s been a heartbreaking turn of events for what would have been Geoff’s 25th harvest — a real milestone,” she said. “But for now, our focus is on Geoff’s recovery.”

With just the two of them running the winery, the couple has decided to sell their organic grapes to other producers.

She says their grapes grow on flat vineyards and can easily be harvested by machine, with vines low yielding with high quality in mind.

Interested wineries are invited to get in touch via email.

Geoff Wright thanked everyone for their support. “I’m feeling the love. It’s feeling a bit like a sabbatical at present — just without the paid leave.”

Kiwi Pinot Noir Searches for a Market

David Allen MW goes through a range of facts and figures illustrating New Zealand Pinot Noir's place on the world stage | © Renée Dale / Wine-Searcher

At the Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025 conference, David Allen MW delivers the data on where New Zealand Pinot Noir stands in the world.

Nat Sellers, Wine-Searcher | 14-Feb-2025

David Allen MW goes through a range of facts and figures illustrating New Zealand Pinot Noir's place on the world stage | © Renée Dale / Wine-Searcher
David Allen MW goes through a range of facts and figures illustrating New Zealand Pinot Noir’s place on the world stage | © Renée Dale / Wine-Searcher

It’s all very well making great Pinot, but what if nobody knows that is what you do?

On day three of the New Zealand Pinot Noir 2025 conference held in Christchurch, Wine-Searcher’s wine director David Allen took to the stage to talk everything data, particularly with respects to the grape’s worldwide reach and the supply and demand within key markets – and particularly how New Zealand Pinot was faring.

Using Wine-Searcher’s vast database of offers and price history broken down by both product, grape and region, Allen was able to extract where New Zealand Pinot Noir is now, with a direct comparison to where it stood eight years ago at the last New Zealand Pinot Noir conference in 2017.

However, before getting to the nitty gritty of New Zealand Pinot Noir, Allen produced some facts to give a general overview of where Wine-Searcher was in its global capture of wine and spirits data.

Today there are currently 14.7 million live offers for wines and spirits listed on Wine-Searcher – compared to the 6.7 million eight years ago. This is partly down to there simply being more products on the market; however, Allen noted, it is also down to Wine-Searcher’s greater ability to collect offers. Technology has simply gotten better.

Making up these 14.7 million offers are more than 850,000 products being listed by 37,500 merchants and auctions across 130 markets.

Every month, Wine-Searcher receives roughly 5 million unique users trawling the site for wine.

How many of those unique users are looking for Pinot Noir? Allen was happy to provide the answers.

In 2016, there were 12.8 million searches for Pinot Noir wines within 122 million wine searches worldwide – making up a total of 10.5 percent.

In 2024, there were 27.2 million searches for Pinot Noir within 176 million wine searches worldwide, accounting for 15.5 percent. A not insignificant increase, with the majority concentrated in the US.

Burgundian Pinot Noir ready to harvest | ©Domaine Guyon

When it comes to the number of offers for Pinot Noir listed on Wine-Searcher, the numbers tell more of the same story.

Back on 15 December 2016, there were 0.5 million offers for Pinot Noir Wine within the 5 million offers for wine worldwide, with tiny dark grape accounting for 9.5 percent of all offers.

Nine years later on 15 December 2024, there were 1.1 million offers for Pinot Noir wines within 10 million offers for wine worldwide, making up 11.5 percent.

Both sets of figures show an increase in both interest and offers for the grape variety, with it claiming an ever larger market share as the years rolled on by.

Hand-harvesting Merlot - the most commonly planted red grape variety in Bordeaux | © Chateau de Sales
Hand-harvesting Merlot – the most commonly planted red grape variety in Bordeaux | © Chateau de Sales

Conversely, during the same time frame, other grape varieties shuffled. Big red Bordeaux blends, for example, slipped from claiming 22.3 percent of searches back in 2016, to 17.4 percent in 2024.

Chardonnay, however, that other great Burgundian variety, claimed 6 percent of searches back in 2016, but snaffled 10.3 percent in 2024, reflecting the often commented-on rise of Burgundy while Bordeaux continues to flail.

However, regarding those 2024 search stats Pinot Noir may be on the rise, but it won’t be evenly across the globe, so where are its main fan clubs?

Well, as Allen presented, France – naturally – accounted for the majority of searches, claiming 22.5 percent, while Hong Kong came in at a close second with 21.4 percent. China sat at 20.8 percent, while the UK and New Zealand sat at 15.5 percent and 15.3 percent respectively, and the US and Australia claimed 13 percent each.

Please bear in mind, the above facts and figures are all still pertain to any Pinot Noir from anywhere in the world.

Back to NZ

Allen then switched his focus firmly to New Zealand and where its Pinot Noir stood in the global market. When it comes to the 2024 searches for New Zealand wines broken down by variety, 35 percent unsurprisingly went to Kiwi stalwart Sauvignon Blanc, while Pinot Noir came in at a close second with 32.4 percent.

However, Sauvignon Blanc has dropped off from its giddy 45 percent back in 2016, while Pinot Noir has risen, albeit marginally. Chardonnay, however, claiming 12.6 percent, has also seen a slow but steady rise.

When it comes to offers, however, the figures fall sharply out of sync. The 2024 figures show 45.1 percent offers for New Zealand wine are for its Sauvignon Blanc, with just 20.7 percent for Pinot Noir, and 9.4 percent for Chardonnay. While Sauvignon Blanc has seen its offers increase from 2016’s 39 percent, Pinot Noir has seen it fall from 24 percent – despite the increase in interest – while Chardonnay has flat-lined.

Where these offers have been made has also changed dramatically. Back in 2016, the USA had the most offers at 28.4 percent, with New Zealand second with 22.4 percent, while the UK claimed 16.6 percent and Australia 10.5 percent.

In 2024, these figures have seen a dramatic shift with the USA now offering a whopping 44 percent and New Zealand increasing slightly to 27.7 percent. However, both the UK and Australia had dropped to 6.1 percent and 6.5 percent respectively. This reflected a comment made by Stephen Wong MW who noted that UK restaurant lists were largely failing to feature New Zealand wines.

Overall, however, since 15 Dec 2016 when there were 83K offers for New Zealand wine, making up 1.6 percent of the 5 million offers for wine worldwide, there has – as of 15 Dec 2024 – been an increase to 175K offers of New Zealand wine within 10M offers for wine worldwide, claiming 1.8 percent, showing slow but steady growth.

As Allen noted, there were a few key takeaways – chiefly the rise of the Burgundian varietals, and how that places New Zealand in good stead. As well as the opportunity to target both the lower pricing tiers as well as the upper, where the big Napa giants lurk.

Finally, a message that has been drummed in over the course of the past three days by various speakers – but one worth listening to. The world is keen, ready and waiting but ever so slightly deaf, and New Zealand Pinot Noir just needs to raise its voice.

The Most Wanted Sauvignon Blancs of 2025

Searching for something fresh and zesty? We’ve got you covered.

Nat Sellers, Wine-Searcher Content Writer | 22-Jan-2025

© Shutterstock/stockcreations | Its light adaptability and food-friendliness has ensured Sauvignon Blanc remains as popular as ever.
Its light adaptability and food-friendliness has ensured Sauvignon Blanc remains as popular as ever. © Shutterstock/stockcreations

It’s that time again when we greet the new year with the world’s most wanted wines.

And kicking off this most anticipated series is that old French stalwart-cum-Kiwi icon, Sauvignon Blanc.

Fresh and vibrant with the capacity – if aged in oak or on lees – to be rich, textured and unctuous, although these expressions are rarer than their steelier counterparts.

Vineyards and rolling hills, Marlborough, South Island | © patjo / shutterstock.com
Vineyards and rolling hills, Marlborough, South Island | © patjo / shutterstock.com

This year’s list incorporates styles ranging from traditional Loire elegance to the New Zealand zingers that threw the Antipodean islands onto the world stage.

However, what’s interesting about this list is how virtually unchanged it is from last year’s with Louis-Benjamin – Didier Dagueneau’s Silex once more leading the pack.

Although classified as Vin de France, Louis-Benjamin – Didier Dagueneau is one of the Loire’s leading producers in Pouilly-Fumé, an appellation that’s known for its world-class smokey Sauvignon Blanc.

Didier Dagueneau was himself a risk-taker and, after a career in motorcycle sidecar racing, he eventually brought his rebellious spirit to winemaking.

However, despite ruffling feathers up and down the Loire Valley, Dagueneau succeeded in revitalizing the region. After his fatal ultralight plane accident in 2008, Dagueneau’s children have continued his legacy, with the bottles now bearing his son Louis-Benjamin’s name.

Despite being the world’s most popular Sauvignon Blanc for a second year in a row, with an aggregated score of 93 points, the Silex has changed very little pricewise, dropping from last year’s $225 to this year’s $223, while ten years ago, it hovered around $115.

Sauvignon Blanc: the variety that put New Zealand wines onto the world scale | ©patjo / www.shutterstock.com
Sauvignon Blanc: the variety that put New Zealand wines onto the world scale | ©patjo / www.shutterstock.com

Number two is Marlborough‘s perennial Cloudy Bay, which took third place last year. Cloudy Bay was founded in 1985 by David Hohnen – who had already established Cape Mentelle Vineyards in Australia’s Margaret River – and successfully put New Zealand wine on the map.

With an aggregated score of 90 points, it’s clear since those heady days in the 80s, that Cloudy Bay has yet to fall out of fashion, while prices have remained remarkably benign. Last year, it was $33 and has dropped a dollar to this year’s $32. Ten years ago it was roughly $27, proving astonishingly stable despite the passing of a decade.

Third is the Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux, which took second place last year. One of the Médoc‘s most illustrious estates, Château Margaux is best known for its classic red blends, however, their whites still clearly hit the mark.

With an aggregated score of 94 points, it currently sits at $318, a minor drop from last year’s $328, although a marked increase from the $181 of ten years ago.

Number four is another from Louis-Benjamin – Didier Dagueneau, this time the Pur Sang. The name is a direct translation of “purebred” – which often refers to thoroughbred horses – the label depicts the famous Lascaux cave painting of a horse.

The name suggests excellence, and this is reflected in the critic score of 93 points. It occupies the same spot as it did last year, and near enough the same price, coming in at $146 versus last year’s $145, having crawled up from the $87 of a decade ago.

Number five was also on last year’s list in the exact same place, the Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos la Neore. A small producer, Edmond Vatan is one of the most lauded producers in the Loire Valley, having built a reputation for making Sancerre that can age for decades.

However, with an aggregated score of 93 points, it also comes at a cost. A price tag of $367 makes it the second most expensive Savvy on this list, however, it’s still a marked come down from last year’s $455. Ten years ago, it sat at $101.

Six is the only American to make this list and the most expensive by several country miles. Last year it flew in at number seven, this year it’s clambered up a slot, absolutely no prizes for guessing what, it’s Screaming Eagle.

The luxury Californian winery based in Napa’s Oakville was first established in 1986 by former real estate agent Jean Phillips, who initially sold fruit to other Napa producers. However, after building a winery, 1992 saw the release of the first vintage of Screaming Eagle to rapturous praise – particularly from Robert Parker – firmly establishing cult status.

However, despite a 93 points critic score and the perennial waiting list, prices have dropped. Ten years ago, the wine stood at $3820 and last year it came in at $3955, however, this year it’s dropped to $3398 proving even the great eagle can’t escape a cost-of-living crisis.

Number seven is a Sancerre by Domaine Vacheron which didn’t feature on last year’s list. Another leading family-owned Loire producer, the estate is biodynamically run by third winemaking generation cousins, Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique.

Ten years ago, it came in at $24, today –  with an aggregated critic score of 90 points – it rocks in at a still modest $38.

Eight is another Kiwi offering, the Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc, which has slid two places from last year’s list. The Marlborough winery is owned by Kevin Judd, whose previous stint as a winemaker for Cloudy Bay saw him rise to prominence. As well as an excellent winemaker, Judd is also an impressive vineyard photographer.

The wine itself has an aggregated critic score of 91 points, while its price has been resolutely consistent. Ten years ago it was $20, last year it was $23, while this year it’s dropped a dollar to $22.

Number nine is a final entry from Louis-Benjamin – Didier Dagueneau with their ‘Blanc etc.’ / ‘Blanc Fume de Pouilly’. The name somewhat convoluted by the wine previously being called ‘Blanc Fume de Pouilly’ until it was later renamed ‘Blanc etc.’

Having dropped one place from last year’s list, Blanc.etc has still retained an impressive score of 90 points, however, the price has seen various shifts. Ten years ago, the wine came in at $60, last year it was $97 and this year, it’s crept up to $104.

Lastly in this year’s most wanted Savvy B, is the Francois Cotat Sancerre Les Monts Damnés occupying the exact same spot as it did last year. Francois Cotat is known for producing a traditional style of Sancerre from its esteemed Monts Damnés vineyard. Today, the estate is run by cousins Pascal and Francois Cotat who have followed in their fathers’ – the original founders – footsteps.

With an aggregated score of 92 points, this sophisticated sav has remained fairly consistent pricewise. Ten years ago, it hovered around $44, and the in the last two years, the price has remained at a steady $80.

When it comes to the world’s most sought-after Sauvignon, there’s not just one thing people are looking for. Some people are searching for French, others Kiwi. Some are searching for bargains, others the most expensive wines they can think of. From traditional to tongue-tingling modern styles, Savvy B really does offer it all.

Move over France … there’s a new kid on the European wine-making block

Move over France … there’s a new kid on the European wine-making block and it might just be a little too close for comfort, writes Fiona Whitty, & explore
the Wine Garden of England.

Believe it or not the United Kingdom is emerging as an exciting force in the wine-making industry, producing bottles that even the fussy French sometimes prefer.

In a now-notorious taste test among Parisien restaurateurs three English sparkling wines were pitted against three elite Champagnes. The English challengers came out on top.

And last year the UK’s biggest wine producer, Chapel Down, headed to France’s Champagne region under the guise of the literally translated Chapelle en Bas to put their own fizz against a top local brand. The result? A staggering 60% preferred the English version.

Now in a further nod to the quality of English sparkling, French Champagne giant Taittinger has hopped across the Channel and snapped up land near London – recently producing their first-ever non-French fizz.

There are some 700 vineyards dotted around England and Wales, blossoming thanks to warmer weather and, in some areas, chalky soil similar to that in the Champagne region.

And the county of Kent, southeast of London and where Domaine Evremond is based, is arguably the perfect place to start a wine discovery. It has more vineyards than anywhere else and garners a fantastic reputation, particularly for its sparkling.

Kent is dubbed the Garden of England thanks to its fantastic fruit growing. But viticulture fans could start by diving into the Wine Garden of England, a small band of esteemed vineyards that offer great experiences and fun events – and sometimes even top-class restaurants and accommodation.

We’ve etched out an itinerary below. As public transport in rural areas can be limited, hiring a car is best once you’ve caught a 55-minute train from London to Canterbury in the heart of Kent wine country. Companies generally offer automatics as well as manuals.

So, with the autumn harvest well under way, designate your driver and start popping open those Kent corks.

DAY ONE

Once off the train, get a feel for beautiful Canterbury. Its magnificent cathedral and city walls are testament to its 1400-year-old history.

For your first tasting, swing by Corkk, a shop and wine bar where two-thirds of its stock is home-produced, much of it from Kent.

Enjoy a tutored wine flight, a glass of a wine of the week or a sample from its vending machine-style wine taster, which allows you to buy small measures from 10 different wines.

Staff will be delighted to guide you … they’re experts at Britain’s best specialist retailer, as nominated by viticulture bible Decanter.

Afterwards motor over to Simpsons Wine Estate for a vineyard tour followed by a tutored tasting.

It’s run by Ruth and Charles Simpson, who had already built up an award-winning vineyard in France when they spotted England’s potential and started up in Kent 12 years ago. Their Derringstone Pinot Meunier is deliciously crisp and fresh.

For some shut-eye head to the Pig at Bridge Place. The Pigs, a small but perfectly formed band of hotels, have become a national institution, revered for their character, warm service, sustainability and support for local produce.

This one doesn’t disappoint, with quirky lounges, roaring fires, wood panels, roll-top baths and antique furniture. Late afternoon cake hour with help-yourself homemade cakes and tours of their extensive kitchen garden are additional treats.

You’ll see the latter’s fruits in much of the restaurant’s menus, mostly sourced within a 40km radius – like its roasted squash starter and lemon sole with foraged sea buckthorn.

Its drinks menu reflects the same ethos; its own Piggy Fizz was made in nearby Sussex and there are over 30 other English wines available, many from Kent.

DAY TWO

Take a leisurely weave across the rolling Kent Downs countryside to Balfour Winery.

In 2007, their Brut Rose was the first ever English wine to win an International Wine Challenge gold.

Their new Winemakers’ Kitchen restaurant features dishes designed to complement their different wines, rather than the other way round.

Try pan-seared scallops in estate cider sauce served with Balfour’s Skye’s Chardonnay, followed by slow-roasted beef short rib with Luke’s Pinot Noir.

Save a bit of room and head over to Chapel Down, the UK’s biggest producer, for a tour followed by a tutored wine and cheese pairing, where you may discover how a creamy extra mature cheddar
suits the apple-freshness of the Kit’s Coty chardonnay.

In the shop, you can pick up a bottle of the Kit’s Coty Coeur de Cuvee 2016, recently named Supreme Champion – England’s best wine – at the WineGB awards.

Bed down at the Grape Escape, a cosy cottage based at another nearby vineyard, Biddenden – and watch the sunset over the vines from the wood-fired hot tub.

Kent’s chalky soil is similar to the Champagne region, making it ideal for producing sparkling wine.

DAY THREE

Stop off at the delightful Loddington Farm Shop – grab their Owlet juices made from fruit grown there – then enjoy lunch over at Bowleys at the Plough, a pub-cum-restaurant that dates to 1483.

Alongside a Kentish tasting menu try Bowleys’ own wine, made at the nearby Redhill Winery.

Afterwards, try one of the regular tastings at the Silverhand Estate, the UK’s largest organic vineyard where sheep graze between the vines to boost soil health and aid natural fertilisation and pest control.

For lights out try the Tickled Trout pub near Maidstone. Owned by Balfour Winery, the drinks menu includes several of its wines by the glass or bottle as well as tasting flights.

ON THE WAY BACK

Call in at Westwell, the Kent wine family’s quirky cousin. In autumn visitors can catch the odd supper club and – on most weeks – Pizza Fridays when a pizza van rolls up outside the fairy-light illuminated winery.

Don’t miss the Pinot Meunier Multi Vintage, a tongue-tingling fizz made without additives that recently bagged best innovative sparkling at the WineGB awards.

Make one last stop at the Tudor Peacock, a wine bar and shop in an old hall dating to the 14th century. Based in Chilham near the new Domaine Evremond winery, it offers samples of Kent’s finest plus talks and themed tastings in a stunning vaulted tasting room.

Elephant Hill for sale: Another Hawke’s Bay winery on the market

Elephant Hill, a Hawke's Bay winery started by a German businessman in 2001, is up for sale, including its lodge, vineyards, winery and restaurant.
Elephant Hill, a Hawke's Bay winery started by a German businessman in 2001, is up for sale, including its lodge, vineyards, winery and restaurant.
Elephant Hill, a Hawke’s Bay winery started by a German businessman in 2001, is up for sale, including its lodge, vineyards, winery and restaurant.

From Jack Riddell, a multimedia journalist with Hawke’s Bay Today

Another Te Awanga winery is up for sale – with two of the area’s three vineyards now on the market – as Elephant Hill’s owner says it’s time to move on.

All of Elephant Hill Holdings Limited Group is on the market, which includes the owner’s lodge overlooking Cape Kidnappers, vineyards in Te Awanga and Gimblett Gravels, the winery, the cellar door, the restaurant, all physical assets and stock, the brand and an established distribution network both nationally and abroad.

But what chief executive Andreas Weiss says is the most important aspect of the sale is the team. “We are a small, high-performance team. I think we have the best people in their respective places.

You can’t find anyone better in Hawke’s Bay, and I’m very proud of that.”
Elephant Hill was founded by businessman Roger Weiss and his wife Reyden in 2001 after they “fell in love with New Zealand and a piece of land on the beautiful coast of Te Awanga”, which was at the time an abandoned venison farm. The winery was then opened in 2008.

“I think we were quite successful in building a brand with a very high reputation,” Andreas said.

“Everybody knows Elephant Hill because of the passion and of the investments that we did here.”

Roger died suddenly in 2016. Andreas, his son, had taken up the role of chief executive at the company a year earlier.

According to Andreas, the company is on the market because it is time for the family to move on.

“[My parents] created the dream; they created the vision of Elephant Hill. Since my father died, my mother, she comes over here more to cry than anything else because they built it together.”

Andreas said he hopes to find someone who shares the same vision and passion for wine and the land as his parents did. “It is, I think, breathtaking and mind-blowing sometimes. I mean, I am just looking out from my office looking at the Bay, and it’s just a beauty.”

Since then, the winery has closed and reopened its restaurant, and hosted marathons, mass dog walks, and countless wedding receptions and long lunches.

Elephant Hill is on the market at the same time as Te Awanga Estate’s coastal vineyard and cellar door/restaurant. Executive officer at Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers, Brent Limm, said the sales multiple of vineyards in the area is more of a coincidence than anything else.

“The Te Awanga area is an important subregion of Hawke’s Bay producing a wide range of high-quality wines with a distinctive sense of place.”

Elephant Hill and Te Awanga Estate’s neighbour Tim Turvey from Clearview Wines agrees, saying the subregion is still the most enviable area in Hawke’s Bay in which to grow wine, “especially chardonnay”, and the vineyards have the accolades to prove it.

At this year’s New Zealand International Wine Challenge, Clearview won a double gold for its Reserve Chardonnay 2021, while Te Awanga Estate’s won the trophy at London’s International Wine Competition for Best Red Wine of Show in 2015, and Elephant Hill’s 2019 Salome was awarded the highest score by respected UK-based Master of Wine Rebecca Gibb in her 2022 New
Zealand white wine report.