On The Up: Felton Road named top winery for 2025, wins second year in a row
Wong says the second consecutive win reflects the winery's 'continuous improvement' that 'sets a benchmark for the industry'.
The annual top wineries list recognises excellence across the country.
Wong says Kiwi wine-drinkers can use the list to give them 'a clear sense of who is leading the way in New Zealand winemaking right now'.
Waiheke's Destiny Bay took the runner-up spot this year, with Te Whare Rā and Framingham (both from Marlborough) and Martinborough's Dry River rounding out the top five.
This year's awards introduced a new 'Best in Class' category, celebrating excellence across various wine styles. The inaugural winners were Quartz Reef 's Methode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blancs 2017 for Sparkling Wine of the Year; Prophet's Rock Cuvée Aux Antipodes Blanc 2022 for White Wine of the Year; Doctors Flat Pinot Noir 2021 for Red Wine of the Year; and Astrolabe's Wrekin Vineyard Late Harvest Chenin Blanc 2022 for Sweet Wine of the Year.
It is also the first time a Vigneron of the Year award has been presented, recognising excellence in viticulture.
Anna and Jason Flowerday of Marlborough's certified organic winery, Te Whare Rā, are the inaugural winners.
'Highlighting individual wines and the people behind them allows us to tell a fuller story of New Zealand wine's journey,' says Wong.
'As our industry matures, it's vital we recognise not just the wines, but the people and philosophies shaping them.'
Wong says the Flowerdays were recognised because of their 'deep connection between vineyard and bottle', praising their commitment to sustainability while retaining a commitment to striving for excellence.
Rounding out the awards, Simon Sharpe and Lauren Keenan of Marlborough winery A Thousand Gods were awarded the Rising Star of the Year.
Enthusiasts can sample 80 of this year's award-winning wines and meet the winemakers at a tasting event in Auckland on June 7, with tickets available via The Real Review's website.
NZ wineries will be further recognised in August, with Viva's own Top 50 wine awards, judged by Viva Wine Editor Dr Jo Burzynska. The full 2024 list of winners can be found at viva.co.nz.
The Real Review's Top 50 Wineries of New Zealand 2025
Felton Road - Bannockburn, Central Otago
Destiny Bay - Waiheke Island, Auckland
Te Whare Rā Wines - Renwick, Marlborough
Framingham - Renwick, Marlborough
Dry River Wines - Martinborough, Wairarapa
Prophet's Rock - Bendigo, Central Otago
Te Mata Estate - Havelock North, Hawke's Bay
Rippon - Wanaka, Central Otago
Ata Rangi - Martinborough, Wairarapa
Pyramid Valley Vineyards - Waikari, North Canterbury
Craggy Range - Havelock North, Hawke's Bay
Bell Hill - Waikari, North Canterbury
Obsidian - Waiheke Island, Auckland
Hans Herzog Estate - Rapaura, Marlborough
Kusuda Wines - Martinborough, Wairarapa
Church Road - Napier, Hawke's Bay
Rockburn Wines - Cromwell, Central Otago
Elephant Hill Estate - Te Awanga, Hawke's Bay
Villa Maria - Auckland
Smith & Sheth - Havelock North, Hawke's Bay
Cloudy Bay - Blenheim, Marlborough
Fromm Winery - Blenheim, Marlborough
Bilancia - Hawke's Bay
Neudorf - Upper Moutere, Nelson
Gibbston Valley Wines - Gibbston, Central Otago
Wild Irishman - Gibbston, Central Otago
Siren Wine - Marlborough
Corofin - Blenheim, Marlborough
Terra Sancta - Bannockburn, Central Otago
Blank Canvas - Marlborough
A Thousand Gods - Marlborough
Tantalus Estate - Waiheke Island, Auckland
Mt Difficulty Wines - Bannockburn, Central Otago
Puriri Hills - Clevedon, Auckland
Greystone Wines - Waipara, North Canterbury
Black Estate - North Canterbury
Charteris - Central Otago
Radburnd Cellars - Hawke's Bay
Doctors Flat - Central Otago
Isabel Estate - Marlborough
Dog Point Vineyard - Marlborough
Batch Winery - Waiheke Island, Auckland
Giesen Wine Estate - Marlborough
Forager Wine - Marlborough
Valli - Central Otago
Man O' War Vineyards - Waiheke Island, Auckland
Astrolabe Wines - Marlborough
Mudbrick - Waiheke Island, Auckland
Clos Henri - Marlborough
The Boneline - North Canterbury
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