Judging results for the 2026 National Wine Awards showed that wine quality has improved.
Established in 2022, the National Wine Awards is New Zealand’s only national wine competition.
Owned by the Auckland Agricultural & Pastoral Association and run by the team behind the former Royal Easter Show Wine Awards, the competition was created to identify, recognise and celebrate excellence in New Zealand wine.
Now in its fifth year, the Awards continue to bring together leading judges from across the industry, with Chair of Judges Jane Cooper once again at the helm.
The share of gold medals is up over last year, and the overall medal success rate rose 8 percent to almost 66 percent, meaning nearly two of every three entries into the competition have received a medal.
“This incredible success rate shows the increasing quality in New Zealand wine and is testament to the talent and hard work of our winemaking and viticulture teams,” said Chair of Judges, Jane Cooper.
The 2026 vintage was well represented, particularly in the flagship Sauvignon Blanc, with 11 gold medals awarded to current-vintage wines in this class.
Pinot Noir also saw 11 gold medal-winning wines, but it was the Sparkling Wines, and in particular the traditional, bottle-fermented wines, that saw more than their share of success.
A whopping six Golds were awarded, representing almost 20 percent of entries in this special class, and clearly demonstrating how well local producers are crafting their own expression of the French classic.
Trophy-winners will be announced on Sunday, the 8th of November at a Long Lunch at the Hilton, Auckland.
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