Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2021 has been awarded Best International Chardonnay, the New Zealand White Trophy and the New Zealand Chardonnay Trophy at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in May.

Church Road 1 Single Vineyard Merlot also received the trophy for Best New Zealand Red Wine as well as the New Zealand Merlot Trophy at the same awards, arguably the world’s most influential and rigorously judged wine competition.

This year marked the 40th Anniversary of the IWC, a prestigious and highly regarded wine show based in Britain.  Entries from over 50 countries of a diverse array of wine varieties are rigorously judged by over 500 industry experts representing 38 countries including Masters of Wine, commercial decision-makers and influencers.  The IWC is renowned for its global recognition and benchmarking excellence as well as unrivalled impartiality as every wine is tasted blind ensuring a level playing field for all wines; furthermore, each wine is given detailed feedback from the judges regardless of its medal status.  The IWC is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of excellence, a global showcase and a catalyst for wine industry growth.

Founded in 1897 to become one of the oldest wineries in New Zealand, we are among the first to craft exceptional Bordeaux-style red wines in New Zealand. Inching close to 130 years of winemaking excellence, the team strives for consistent evolution of our wines while continuing to harness the character of the region’s terroir.