MEDIA RELEASE Monday 24th November 2014
Victory for Villa Maria as Pinot Noir thrills at Air New Zealand Wine Awards
It was a night to remember as Villa Maria Estate picked up one of the highest accolades of the evening, the O-I New
Zealand Reserve Wine of the Show Trophy, at the 28th Air New Zealand Wine Awards. The Villa Maria Single Vineyard
Southern Clays Marlborough Pinot Noir 2012 also collected the Champion Pinot Noir Trophy.
Villa Maria founder, Sir George Fistonich, said the Pinot Noir Trophy win was made all that more exciting and special
due to the tough competition and quality of wine in this category, as mentioned by Chair of Judges and Master of Wine,
Michael Brajkovich.
Global Marketing Director for New Zealand Winegrowers, Chris Yorke, says the Air New Zealand Wine Awards dinner is a big
night for New Zealand’s wine industry. "Winning a trophy or medal is recognition of the hard work and skill that goes
into making the wine, and lets consumers know they are drinking some of the finest wine in the world.”
It has been an incredible year for Villa Maria Estate, winning an array of awards on both the national and international
stage. Being awarded the Wine of the Show drives home the intention Sir George Fistonich and his family committed to
over 50 years ago, to produce quality wines time and time again.
The Air New Zealand Wine Awards are a celebration of excellence in New Zealand winemaking and are widely considered to
be the country’s most prestigious wine competition. This year's competition saw 1,552 wines entered into 16 different
classes. The entries were judged by an independent panel of 26 expert wine judges.
Villa Maria Trophy winning wines:
• O-I New Zealand Reserve Wine of the Show Villa Maria Single Vineyard Southern Clays Marlborough Pinot Noir 2012
• JF Hillebrand New Zealand Ltd Champion Pinot Noir Villa Maria Single Vineyard Southern Clays Marlborough Pinot Noir 2012
ENDS