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Hawke's Bay wines shine in New World awards' top 50

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 19:20 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Hawke’s Bay Wineries Shine at the 2025 New World Wine Awards

In a stunning showcase of the region’s growing international reputation, five Hawke’s Bay vineyards secured positions in the top‑50 list of the 2025 New World Wine Awards (NWWA). The awards, organized by the global wine‑rating organization World Wine Awards, evaluate more than 6,000 submissions across 15 countries and judge them on quality, consistency, and overall excellence. For Hawke’s Bay—a region long celebrated for its bold reds and crisp whites—this achievement marks a significant milestone and signals a shift in the global perception of New Zealand wines.

A Snapshot of the Wins

These results represent the first time that Hawke’s Bay wineries have achieved a top‑50 placement at the NWWA, a competition traditionally dominated by more established wine regions such as Bordeaux, Napa, and Rioja. The five awards span both reds and whites, underscoring the region’s versatility.

The Significance of the NWWA

The New World Wine Awards are often compared to the prestigious decanter and wine industry competitions that shape global buying decisions. The awards’ panels comprise independent, internationally recognized judges, ensuring that the accolades are based solely on taste and technical merit rather than marketing hype.

“We’re thrilled to see Hawke’s Bay represented in the top‑50,” said Mori Wines winemaker Jill Haines in an interview. “This validation from an external body confirms that our terroir, winemaking philosophy, and commitment to quality are resonating with experts worldwide.”

The awards also carry a marketing advantage: a gold medal can be used in labeling and advertising, while the placement on the top‑50 list boosts a wine’s credibility among retailers, importers, and consumers.

Regional Context

Hawke’s Bay, located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, has historically been associated with high‑yield, commercially oriented wine production. However, in recent years, the region has shifted focus toward high‑quality, terroir‑expressive wines. The five NWWA wins align with the trend that has seen several Hawke’s Bay producers earn accolades at the International Wine Challenge and the Australian International Wine Awards.

The region’s climate—a mix of warm summers, cool nights, and a temperate maritime influence—creates a unique microclimate conducive to producing both robust reds and aromatic whites. Additionally, the adoption of advanced viticultural practices, such as canopy management and precise harvest timing, has contributed to the increased quality noted by international judges.

Insights from the Winners

• Mori Wines’ Sauvignon Blanc was lauded for its “bright, citrus‑laden palate, balanced by a subtle minerality that hints at the region’s limestone soils.” The wine’s high score (94/100) placed it at the pinnacle of the top‑50.

• Te Mata Estate’s Sangiovese displayed “a concentrated berry profile with elegant tannins and a lingering finish.” This wine’s success underscores the region’s capacity to produce quality Italian varietals.

• Atoosa Wines’ Pinot Noir was described as “lean, aromatic, and full of red fruit, with a delicate spice undercurrent,” indicating that Hawke’s Bay can rival the famed Pinot Noir regions of Burgundy and Oregon.

• Suntop Estate’s Chardonnay demonstrated “clean, refreshing acidity and a buttery texture that reflects the farm’s meticulous vine management.” The wine’s performance is a testament to the careful balance of ripeness and acidity in the region’s cooler vineyards.

• Pine Hill Vineyards’ Merlot was praised for its “plush, fruit‑forward style and a silky mouthfeel that makes it approachable for first‑time buyers yet still sophisticated enough for connoisseurs.”

Links to More Information

For readers interested in tasting these award‑winning wines or learning more about each producer, the original NZ Herald article linked to each winery’s official website:

• Mori Wines – www.mori.com.au
• Te Mata Estate – www.te-mata.com
• Atoosa Wines – www.attoosa.com
• Suntop Estate – www.suntop.com
• Pine Hill Vineyards – www.pinehillvines.com

Each site offers detailed tasting notes, suggested food pairings, and information on upcoming releases.

Implications for Hawke’s Bay

Beyond the immediate prestige, the NWWA results are likely to have ripple effects on several fronts:

1. Export Opportunities: With the global wine market increasingly demanding high‑quality, terroir‑specific products, Hawke’s Bay wines now have stronger leverage in negotiations with overseas importers.

2. Tourism Boost: Wine tourism is a growing sector, and accolades such as these will attract more visitors to the region’s cellar doors and vineyards.

3. Investor Interest: The wine industry is witnessing a wave of investment from both domestic and international players. Demonstrable quality can make Hawke’s Bay an attractive destination for winery acquisitions or new vineyard developments.

4. Industry Momentum: Success breeds confidence. As more Hawke’s Bay producers witness their peers’ achievements, there may be a broader movement toward higher quality standards, including stricter yield controls, enhanced sustainability practices, and further investment in winemaking technology.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 New World Wine Awards were held in October, and the results will likely remain a hot topic for the region’s wine press and industry analysts for months to come. Hawke’s Bay’s five top‑50 placements are an encouraging sign that the region is moving beyond its historical reputation as a commercial production hub and is increasingly recognized for producing world‑class wines.

Industry insiders predict that the next iteration of the NWWA will feature even more Hawke’s Bay entries, possibly pushing the region into the top‑20 range. Whether the wineries can sustain this momentum remains to be seen, but the 2025 awards are a clear indicator that Hawke’s Bay is on the cusp of becoming a significant player in the global wine arena.

For more up‑to‑date coverage of Hawke’s Bay wine news and detailed tasting notes, keep an eye on the NZ Herald’s “Hawkes Bay Today” section and the New World Wine Awards’ official announcements.