Te Awanga Estate is chuffed to jump on here and let you know Rod has just been named on a who’s who list of top global winemakers – The Master Winemaker 100 – as compiled by reputable magazine the drinks business (UK).

Rod McDonald – Winemaker – Te Awanga Estate

Not only that but for him to even be considered for The Master Winemaker 100 list, he first had to win a Master award at The Global Masters 2019 international blind-tasting series…which he did late last year for the Trademark 2016 Syrah (sorry we didn’t tell you!).  A Master award is one tier above a Gold award in this series of tastings judged only by Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers.

So the mighty Trademark Syrah has done it again.  Placing little old Te Awanga Estate, and all the wonderful people who work so hard here, onto the international stage.

Trademark Wines

Rod…who of course was too shy to write about himself here so I had to…said he was blown away to be listed alongside winemakers from such wineries as Chapoutier, Penfolds, Bird in Hand, Vasse Felix and Charles Heidsieck Champagne.
 
“Releasing the Trademark to the world is a little like poking a stick in the ground and saying that this is the best we can create at that particular time, at this particular place.  It’s thoroughly rewarding for everyone who helped make this wine to be recognized in this manner.”

Stocks of Trademark 2016 Syrah are very low. If you have already managed to nab some, enjoy, and thank you.  And if you happen upon some at your local wine retailer…grab it! 

Jo + The Te Awanga Estate Crew (including shy Rod)