New World Wine Awards 2026: Thirty standout wines prove great drops don’t have to cost a fortune
The results are in for the New World Wine Awards 2026, with the Top 30 wines revealed – offering Kiwis a trusted guide to discovering outstanding bottles for under $30.
From crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs and elegant Pinot Noirs to celebratory bubbles, refreshing rosés and international favourites, this year’s selection brings together 30 Gold medal-winning wines across a range of styles, tastes and occasions.
The wines were selected following a rigorous blind-tasting process led by wine judge Jen Parr, with Jannine Rickards as co-chair. Held in Blenheim, the judging brought together wine expertise to identify the standout bottles offering quality and value.
With the Top 30 available exclusively at New World stores nationwide, the awards make it easier for shoppers to find their next favourite wine, whether they’re planning a dinner with friends, choosing a gift or looking for something special to celebrate.
30 wines, plenty of reasons to raise a glass
This year’s Top 30 spans a broad range of varieties and styles, bringing together familiar favourites alongside bottles that offer something a little different.
For those keen to discover a fresh, aromatic white, Misty Cove Landmark Albariño 2025 offers white peach, nectarine and citrus blossom with a crisp finish. Te Kano Life Otago Riesling 2023 brings lime, mandarin and green apple, while the selection of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris offers plenty more to explore.
There’s plenty for celebrations and entertaining too. Ca’ Montini Prosecco DOC Extra Dry is a light, lively sparkling made for sharing, while Graham Norton Prosecco Rosé DOC 2025 offers ripe strawberry and tropical floral notes. New Zealand rosés from Eradus, Wairau River and Two Rivers bring fresh options to the Top 30.
Red wine lovers are equally well catered for. Sliding Hill Pinot Noir 2025 brings dark cherry, plum and earthy spice, while Villa Maria Private Bin Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2025 offers dark berry, mocha, vanilla and spice. For those after a fuller-bodied red, T-Bone South Australia Shiraz 2024 combines plum, raspberry and dark berry flavours with gentle spice and smooth tannins.
The Top 30 also brings together wines from France, Italy, Australia, Argentina and the United States, alongside New Zealand wines from regions including Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, Gisborne, Central Otago and the Wairarapa.
A wine for every occasion
The Top 30 has also been organised around the moments people are shopping for, making it easier to find a bottle to suit the occasion.
- Perfect for celebrating: From sparkling wines and rosé to distinctive whites and approachable reds, there are bottles ready for birthdays, milestones and special moments.
- Perfect for a party: Prosecco, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and rosé offer easy-going options for entertaining and sharing with friends.
- Perfect for dinner tonight: From Riesling and Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, Shiraz and French red blends, there are options to complement everything from seafood and roast chicken to hearty winter dishes.
- Perfect for gifting: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Malbec, Syrah and Shiraz offer thoughtful choices for the wine lovers in your life.
Whether shoppers know exactly what they like or are keen to try something new, the awards provide an accessible starting point for exploring the world of wine.
Great wine, made easier to find
The New World Wine Awards are designed to make finding quality wine at an accessible price straightforward, bringing together a curated selection shoppers can explore with confidence.
With 30 Gold medal-winning wines under $30, this year’s Top 30 offers inspiration across dinner, entertaining, gifting and celebrations.
Explore the full Top 30 at newworld.co.nz/wineawards or in New World stores nationwide.