Fine Wines
of New Zealand
Fine Wines
of New Zealand
New Zealand produces a range of world-class wines, renowned for their purity, vibrancy and unique characteristics.
The result of an annual search, it is curated by eight of New Zealand's leading wine experts — Masters of Wine Alastair Maling, Emma Jenkins, Michael Brajkovich, Sam Harrop, Simon Nash, Steve Smith and David Allen along with Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas.
The X Finest Wines of 2019
2019's ListPrevious Years
The X Finest Wines of 2018
2018's ListThe X Finest Wines of 2017
2017's ListThe X Finest Wines of 2016
2016's ListFrom New Zealand’s Finest Wineries
New Zealand’s plentiful vineyards are located in spectacular locations, from sun drenched maritime regions to high alpine environments. These naturally stunning and distinct regions are home to bold pioneers, people who create wine that is famous for its purity, vibrancy and intensity with a freshness that could only come from here.
Chosen by
the Masters
THE MASTERS
With any wine it’s the climate that has the final say.
Alastair Maling is Chair of Fine Wines of New Zealand, Chief Group Winemaker and Head of Viticulture at Foley Family Wines. With more than two decades of winemaking experience in France, Italy, Spain, Chile Argentina, South Africa, and now New Zealand, Alastair is one of our most decorated winemakers. His work has landed him numerous Winemaker of the Year awards, including White Winemaker of the Year at the prestigious International Wine Challenge in London.
The Criteria
World-class quality and consistency – a high barrier to inclusion consisting of wine quality, wine pedigree and longevity. A wine that can truly stand the test of time as a world-class example of New Zealand’s finest wine.
A Rigorous
Process
The Search
Each of the panel members is charged with a specific wine variety. Submissions are sought from the wine industry and the panel members put forward their recommendation of what they consider to be the finest examples within each of their respective varietals.
Group Tasting
These wines are then presented to the rest of the panel at the group tasting. Here, each of the wines are tasted blind and robustly debated with a refined selection called back from the initial offering to be re-tasted, this time with supporting back vintages.
Collective Agreement
Those wines that make it through to the group tasting are then once again tasted blind along with the existing Fine Wines to ensure a consistent standard of quality. Each wine is discussed in detail and only those wines that are collectively agreed upon, make the annual list.
Experience
them for yourself
Air New Zealand is a patron to Fine Wines of New Zealand, providing promotional support to the wineries onboard and through its marketing channels. From the Fine Wines of New Zealand list, the Air New Zealand Wine Consultants have selected the best wines to serve at altitude. This selection will be served onboard in Business Premier cabins throughout the year alongside the existing wine offering.
Jim Harre
Air New Zealand Wine Consultant
Altitude makes
a difference
Some wines taste different onboard — it's because of the altitude. Air New Zealand's Wine Consultant, Jim Harre, knows all about this and the science behind it, and that's why he was brought in, to make sure only the right Fine Wines of New Zealand are served onboard.
Is your wine
world-class?
Fine Wines of New Zealand is now calling for submissions
to the Fine Wines of New Zealand programme
Submissions due
Friday 9th November, 2019
Notification of acceptance
Friday 29th November, 2019
Tasting bottles due*
Monday 3rd February, 2020
*2 bottles of current release (3 if under cork)
1 bottle of previous 2 releases (2 if under cork)
The Charter
The Fine Wines of New Zealand charter outlines the intent of the programme and the selection process that our Fine Wines of New Zealand wine panel will undertake.