More than 30 of the world’s best Sommelier (wine stewards or wine waiters) have judged three Martinborough wines – and one from Central Otago – as among the top wines globally at the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2025 Awards.
Palliser Estate’s Hau Nui single vineyard Pinot Noir took a top spot in the awards.
Martinborough’s Craggy Range vineyard had two wines on the awards list – Te Muna Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Central Otago’s Brennan Wines Pinot Noir was the other New Zealand wine to be included.
The international accolades highlight wines that exemplify exceptional quality, terroir expression and wine-making excellence, determined by a global panel of top sommeliers.
Held in the UK, the awards evaluated wines from producers worldwide and ended with a curated list of the top wines from 19 countries, with the panel made up of sommeliers and beverage directors from 18 countries.
The group included experts from some of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Palliser Estate chief executive Pip Goodwin said they’re delighted by the recognition.
“To have our 2021 ‘Hua Nui’ Pinot Noir included in the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection is an incredible honour,” she said in a statement.
“It’s a testament to the dedication of our vineyard and wine-making teams, and a representation of the unique character and exceptional quality of our Hua Nui vineyard in Martinborough.”
The achievement also shines a spotlight on” the small but mighty Martinborough wine region as New Zealand’s world-class producer of elegant and expressive Pinot Noir.”
Martinborough produces just 1% of New Zealand wines, and the awards highlight the small volume but exceptional quality of the local Pinot Noir.
