The results are in for the New World Wine Awards 2025, and the Top 50 Wines Under $30 have been revealed, offering Kiwis the chance to enjoy world-class wines without the world-class price tag.
This year’s awards saw over 1,000 wines from Aotearoa and around the globe go head – to- head in a rigorous blind tasting. Judged by an elite panel of independent wine experts, the wines were assessed on aroma, flavour, balance, and value – no labels, no price cues, just quality. The result? A curated list of 50 outstanding wines, all $30 or less, available exclusively at New World stores nationwide.
What makes these awards so special?
Every wine was scored using the internationally respected 100-point system, with only the best making the final cut. This year’s Top 50 includes gold medal winners that rival top drops from global competitions, proving that great wine doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Led by Chair Jen Parr and Deputy Chair Murry Cook, the 2025 judging panel brought decades of experience and a fresh perspective to the table.“This year’s Top 50 is a celebration of diversity, discovery, and deliciousness,” says Jen Parr. “From bold reds and elegant whites to vibrant rosés and festive bubbles, there’s something here for every taste and every occasion.”
Jen Parr, Chair – Jen Parr has extensive winemaking experience, including in the United States, France, South Africa, and Australia. She is the winemaker for Valli Vineyards and was named the 2020 Winemaker of the Year by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine New Zealand.
Murray Cook, Deputy Chair – Murray brings more than two decades of wine industry experience, gathered everywhere from Australia’s Yarra Valley to France’s Champagne and Burgundy regions. He has been the winemaker at Dog Point since 2013. He and his wife Rachel also run their own label, Nous.
Wines are organized into flights for assessment. Judges individually score and discuss the wines, with gold medal winners undergoing further random tastings to determine the Top 50. The highest-ranked wine in each variety earns the title of Champion.
Winning a Gold medal means a wine has been tasted and graded at least 19 times by 11 different judges, while Champion wines receive at least 36 tastings. There’s even a unique opportunity for aspiring judges, like liquor managers and store owners, to train alongside the experts and contribute their opinions while learning the ropes.
Top of the Drops – 2025 Champions
Champion White Wine
The Hunting Lodge Seasonal Albariño Marlborough 2025
A vibrant, textural white with bright stone-fruit and fresh lime – Albariño is fast becoming a Kiwi favourite.
Champion Sparkling Wine
Lindauer Special Reserve Brut NV
A re-imagined classic with a creamy texture and perfumed nose – perfect for celebrations or Sunday brunch.
Champion Red Wine
Church Road McDonald Series Syrah 2021 – A bold, supple Syrah from Hawke’s Bay, packed with dark berry fruit and spice.
Champion Aromatic
The Hunting Lodge Seasonal Albarino Marlborough 2025 – A stylish Champion White Wine that is textural and bright with stone-fruit and fresh lime.
Champion Bubbles
Lindauer Special Reserve Brut NV – A complex and delicious Champion Sparkling with a perfumed nose and creamy texture.th
Champion Chardonnay
Mount Riley Chardonnay 2024 – Complex yet friendly with ripe citrus and toasty oak.
Champion Pinot Gris
Dashwood Pinot Gris 2024 – A real crowd-pleaser with delicious fruit, spice and endless charm.
Champion Pinot Noir
Mountford Estate Pinot Noir 2021 – Poised and plush with savoury spice and a velvety texture.
Champion Red Blends
Barking Mad Grenache Shiraz 2021 – A BIG red with opulent fruit, velvety tannins and appealing oak spice.
Champion Rosé
SOHO HARRY Rosé, Marlborough 2024 – Stylish and fresh with creamy strawberry and great length.
Champion Sauvignon Blanc
Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2024 – Opulent with intense fruit and herb aromas and salty acidity.
Champion Single Variety Reds
Ringbolt Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 – Refined, delicious Australian Cabernet with tremendous appeal.
Champion Syrah & Shiraz
Church Road McDonald Syrah 750ml – 2021 Champion Red and textbook Syrah – bold, supple and laden with gorgeous berry fruit.
More must-try highlights…
Most Fun in a Bottle:
Brown Brothers Sparkling Moscato 2024 – Bursting with citrus, grape, and sherbet aromas. A sweet, fizzy delight.
Rosé with a Twist:
OTU Estate Rosé 2025 – Bright berry flavours and a candy apple finish make this a modern pink standout.
Sauvignon Blanc Standout:
Waimea Sauvignon Blanc 2024 – Fresh as a sea breeze with a spicy jalapeño kick.
Global Gems:
Grande Cuvée 1531 Rosé Crémant de Limoux NV (France) and Taylors Estate Tempranillo 2024 (Australia) prove that international wines can shine just as brightly – offering exceptional value and character.
Spotlight: Mountford Estate Blanc Pet Nat NV
One of the most exciting wines in this year’s lineup is the Mountford Estate Blanc Pet Nat NV – a fun, fizzy, and slightly funky sparkling wine that’s perfect for parties and casual celebrations. Pet Nat (Pétillant Naturel) is made using an ancient method where wine is bottled before fermentation finishes, creating a natural sparkle without added sugars or yeasts. The result? A lightly bubbly, unfiltered wine with vibrant citrus, floral notes, and a touch of wild yeast character.
“This wine is a total vibe,” said one judge. “It’s fresh, energetic, and a little bit wild, perfect for those who love to explore something different.” Crafted in North Canterbury, this wine reflects Mountford Estate’s organic, minimal intervention philosophy – a raw, expressive taste of the vineyard in every glass.
So, whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for a great bottle to share with friends, the New World Wine Awards 2025 offers a trusted guide to wines that punch well above their price point.
Explore the full Top 50 in-store or online at:
https://www.newworld.co.nz/discover/wine-awards
