Congratulations to Askerne Estate Winery for winning the 2022 Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition with their 2021 Reserve Chardonnay!
The George Hotel hosted the 20th Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition on the 17th & 18th of September, where a panel consisting of Jim Harré, Dom Maxwell, James McElrea, Sam Kim, Petter Evans and Sam Smail blind judged the 278 wines over two days.
Jim Harré, Chairman of Judges commented that “The Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition is critical in demonstrating to Canterbury the incredible quality and range of New Zealand wines available, as well as giving consumers a guide to quality in selecting their purchases.”
“The wines were judged and awarded medals using the same high international standards as the world’s best competitions” explains Jim. To see 86% of wines entered receive a medal shows that the New Zealand wine industry is up there with the global market. “For me personally, it was a great experience to taste the range of wines from different regions and see the distinctive regional flavours and aromas so clearly displayed within the varietal classes.”
Thank you to everyone who entered the 2022 Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition. Now without further ado, we present the winners of the 20th Aotearoa Regional Wine Competition!
Best In Show & Runner Up:
| Section | Vintage | Company/Winery | Wine |
| Chardonnay | 2021 | Askerne Estate Winery Ltd | Askerne 2021 Reserve Chardonnay |
| Pinot Noir | 2019 | Kono NZ LP | Tohu Awatere Valley Pinot Noir |
Best in White and Best in Red:
| Section | Vintage | Company/Winery | Wine |
| Chardonnay | 2021 | Askerne Estate Winery Ltd | Askerne 2021 Reserve Chardonnay |
| Pinot Noir | 2019 | Kono NZ LP | Tohu Awatere Valley Pinot Noir |
Best In Class:
| Section | Vintage | Company/Winery | Wine |
| Sparkling Wines | 2017 | Marisco Vineyard Ltd | Diamond Heart Waihopai Cuvee 2017 |
| Gewürztraminer | 2021 | Askerne Estate Winery Ltd | Askerne 2021 Gewürztraminer |
| Pinot Gris | 2021 | Mount Brown Estates | Mount Brown Estates Grand Reserve Pinot Gris |
| Riesling | 2016 | Spy Valley Wines | Spy Valley Envoy Riesling 2016 |
| Sauvignon Blanc | 2022 | Saint Clair Family Estate | Pioneer Block 6 Sauvignon Blanc |
| Chardonnay | 2021 | Askerne Estate Winery Ltd | Askerne 2021 Reserve Chardonnay |
| Emerging White Wines | 2021 | Askerne Estate Winery Ltd | Askerne Viognier 2021 |
| Sweet Wines | 2019 | Forrest Wines | Forrest Botrytised Riesling |
| Rosé | 2022 | Spencer Hill Estate | 2022 Spencer Hill Rosé |
| Pinot Noir | 2019 | Kono NZ LP | Tohu Awatere Valley Pinot Noir |
| Syrah / Shiraz | 2020 | Junction Wines | Junction Offside Syrah |
Regional Winners:
| Regional Winners | Vintage | Company/Winery | Wine |
| Auckland | 2020 | October 30 Wines | 2020 October 30 Syrah |
| Hawke's Bay | 2021 | Askerne Estate Winery Ltd | Askerne 2021 Reserve Chardonnay |
| Wellington | 2022 | Matahiwi Vineyards Ltd | Matahiwi Estate Pinot Gris 2022 |
| Nelson | 2022 | Spencer Hill Estate | 2022 Spencer Hill Rosé |
| Marlborough | 2019 | Kono NZ LP | Tohu Awatere Valley Pinot Noir |
| Canterbury | 2021 | Mount Brown Estates | Mount Brown Estates Grand Reserve Pinot Gris |
| Otago | 2020 | McArthur Ridge | McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Central Otago Pinot Noir |