Sleek and bold
Church Road Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2023, Hawke’s Bay, NZD $40
Jane Skilton MW
Full and vivid
Catalina Sounds Sound of White Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough, NZD $35
Tropical gris
Zephyr Pinot Gris 2025, Marlborough, NZD $25
Vigneron of the Year New Zealand 2026: Rudi Bauer
The craggy-faced Austrian has spent more than 40 years in his adopted homeland, quietly building one of the country’s most respected wineries.
Sweet Wine of the Year New Zealand 2026: Greywacke Botrytis Pinot Gris 2023
The 2026 The Real Review New Zealand Sweet Wine of the Year is the Greywacke Botrytis Pinot Gris 2023 from Marlborough.
Red Wine of the Year New Zealand 2026: Burn Cottage Sabine’s Selection Pinot Noir 2022
Burn Cottage is one of Central Otago’s consistently outstanding producers. From the outset, the focus has been on crafting pinot noir as a lens through which to view site.
Winning sweetie
Greywacke Botrytis Pinot Gris 2023, Marlborough, NZD $42 (375ml)
Sparkling Wine of the Year New Zealand 2026: Cloudy Bay Pelorus Vintage 2013
The 2026 The Real Review Sparkling Wine of the Year is Cloudy Bay Pelorus Vintage 2013.
Sparkling NZ winner
Cloudy Bay Pelorus Vintage 2013, Marlborough, NZD $90
Luscious and rich
Sweet Wine of the Year NZ 2026 finalist: Prophet’s Rock Vin de Paille 2022, Central Otago, NZD $75 (375ml)