About us

The NZ organic wine awards are New Zealand's only wine show dedicated to organic and biodynamic wines. The awards were founded in 2014 and continue to grow each year.

Mission

Our goal is simple. We seek to increase the market share of organic wine in New Zealand and internationally. We want to do this by promoting the best that NZ has to offer, helping consumers to identify and select a quality organic wine.

Results

See who made the cut, the very best New Zealand organic wines. Click to see the 2021 results.

Stance

We come from a consumer background, and this gives us a unique perspective on wine shows, and the organic sector. We use this viewpoint to form the basis of our awards.

Meet our 2021 Champions

The below wines represent the best in their class.

Rippon “Rippon” Mature Vine Pinot Noir

Champion Pinot Noir, paired with Over the Moon Dairy: Creamy Blue

Pinot Noir saw the largest uptake in entries this year, despite already being the largest varietal class for the past 3 awards seasons. The reason for this is most likely the prevalence of Central Otago wineries at the awards. 11 Gold medals were awarded to Pinot Noir’s, of which 6 are from Central Otago, 3 from Marlborough and 2 from North Canterbury. Vintages ranged from 2016 through to 2020, with both of these vintages being represented in the gold medal awards. The Champion Pinot Noir is Rippon’s “Rippon” Mature Vine Pinot Noir 2017.

Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Champion Sauvignon Blanc Paired with Over the Moon Dairy: Goat Camembert

6 Sauvignon Blanc’s were awarded gold in
2021. SB entry volumes were consistent
with 2020. Of the 6 gold medals, 3 are from
Marlborough wineries, 2 from Central Otago
and 1 from Nelson. The champion Sauvignon
Blanc is Amisfield’s Sauvignon Blanc 2020.

Terrace Edge Liquid Geography Riesling 2020

Terrace Edge Liquid Geography Riesling 2020

Champion Riesling paired with Over the Moon Dairy: Galactic Gold

Riesling entries were up for 2021, although still not at levels seen pre-2020. 5 Riesling’s were awarded Gold medals this year. The Champion Riesling was Terrace Edge’s Liquid Geography 2020.

Terrace Edge Pinot Gris 2020

Terrace Edge Pinot Gris 2020

Champion Pinot Gris matched with Over the Moon Dairy: OMG Brie

Pinot Gris is the fourth most popular varietal, slipping just below entry volumes for Chardonnay, despite an increase in entries this year. 4 Pinot Gris’ were awarded gold, 2 from Central Otago, 1 from Nelson and 1 from North Canterbury. This year’s Champion Pinot Gris is Terrace Edge’s 2020 Pinot Gris.

Greystone Chardonnay 2019

Champion Chardonnay matched with Over the Moon Dairy OMG Brie

For 2021 Chardonnay has overtaken Pinot Gris as the third largest varietal class. This is largely due to the addition of some new wineries to the awards who specialise in the varietal. 6 Chardonnay’s were awarded gold. The Champion was Greystone’s Chardonnay 2019.

Greystone Syrah 2018

Champion Syrah matched with Over the Moon Dairy: Creamy Blue

Syrah entry volumes were flat with 2020. Gold medals were issued to 3 Syrah’s, with one each going to North Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. The 2021 Champion is Greystone Syrah 2018.

Terrace Edge 2019

Champion Rose

The prevelance of Rose continues to grow
at the Aotearoa Organic Wine Awards. Rose entries were up nearly 20%. The majority gold medal rose’s originate from Central Otago, however the champion is North Canterbury’s Terrace Edge Rose 2020.

Quartz Reef Methode Traditionnelle Vintage 2015 Blanc de Blancs

Champion Sparkling matched with Over the Moon Dairy: Double Delight

Once again Sparkling entries have been split between Methode Traditionelle and Pet Nat. Despite no Pet Nat’s being awarded gold, it was acknowledged that the standard was very high amongst all sparkling entries. The champion Sparkling is Quartz Reef’s Methode Traditionnelle Vintage 2015 Blanc de Blancs.

Sponsors

Our awards are operated by volunteers and do not receive any generate any revenue, we rely on the generation donations of our sponsors to help keep our costs low.
Riedel NZ

Riedel NZ

Exclusive glassware sponsor

Riedel are the exclusive glassware provider for the event, including judging and tasting sessions. Judging will be completed using the Riedel Overture Magnum glasses, which by many are considered to be the industry standard for wine judging.

Over the Moon Dairy

Over the Moon Dairy

Cheese

New Zealand's best cheese, direct from Waikato. Matched to each of our champion wines by our team of judges.

Fisher and Paykel

Fisher and Paykel

Appliance Sponsor

Fisher and Paykel kindly supply appliances required, including wine refrigeration, throughout the Aotearoa Organic Wine Awards, we are very grateful for their assistance.

News and Tasting Notes

Our most recent news and tasting notes, from the best of the awards. For further tasting notes, select 'wines' from the menu.

2024 Results

We are please to announce the results of the 2024 Aotearoa New Zealand Organic Wine Awards. Many thanks to all of the vineyards who participated in this years awards, as well as judges, sponsors and Read more…

2023 Results

We are please to announce the results of the 2023 Aotearoa Organic Wine Awards. Many thanks to all of the vineyards who participated in this years awards, as well as judges and other volunteers who Read more…

2022 Results

We are please to announce the results of the 2022 Aotearoa Organic Wine Awards. Many thanks to all of the vineyards who participated in this years awards, as well as judges and other volunteers who Read more…

2021 Results

We are please to announce the results of the 2021 Aotearoa Organic Wine Awards. Many thanks to all of the vineyards who participated in this years awards, as well as judges and other volunteers who Read more…