Hawke's Bay wines have picked up 35 gold medals at the New Zealand International Wine Show with Villa Maria's Bay vineyards coming through with 10 of them.

The 10 Bay golds were part of the 20 golds in total awarded to Villa Maria, to the delight of founder and CEO Sir George Fistonich who said such a result for a single company was pretty well unheard of.

"To be awarded 20 gold medals is testament to the quality and consistency we achieve relentlessly," he said.

"Our winemaking teams meticulously focus on quality in all areas and these results reinforce our unique ability to deliver exceptional wines across multiple price points, varieties and regions."

Chardonnay was the leading variety for Villa Maria with five golds, and was also the leading variety across the board for Bay winemakers who picked up another 12.
Church Road Winery, Clearview Estate, Esk Valley Estate, Rod McDonald Wines, Vidal Winery, Kim Crawford, Delegatand Cooper's Creek (with Bay-grown fruit) all picked up golds for their chardonnays.

Merlot and merlot predominant blends picked up eight golds. 

Continue reading on Hawke's Bay wines