Leveret and Mills Reef Winery has a lot to raise a glass to. The winery's Mills Reef Gimblett Gravels Reserve Merlot 2020 was awarded a double gold medal and named the New Zealand Wine of the Year in the 2022 China Wine and Spirits Awards.

This is the biggest and most prestigious wine and spirits competition in Hong Kong and China.

Wine and spirits were entered into these prestigious awards from more than 55 countries, covering all price levels and tasted blind. A CWSA medal is the most powerful endorsement of quality and suitability for the Chinese market, with the judges representing the top buyers, distributors, retailers and sommeliers in Hong Kong and China.

'It is a huge outcome for this newly-released wine,” says chief winemaker Paul Dawick. 'It's a wine we knew would have great appeal and presence. With poise, finesse and balance this fruit-driven, yet complex wine is well suited to the palate of many. Results like this are a reward for a hard-working, dedicated team. It's satisfying to be recognised for the efforts that go into making great wine.”

The Leveret Reserve Hawke's Bay Syrah 2019 also received a double gold medal, with the Leveret Reserve Merlot Cabernet 2020 and Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 shining bright with gold medals.

'Made from an outstanding 2019 vintage, this special Syrah has all the hallmarks of a top-class wine, so it is wonderful to be honoured with a double gold medal,” says winemaker Cam Duke. 'From the hard-working vineyard staff right through to our warehouse and distribution team, it really is a grape-to-bottle team effort.”

The wines and others are available at Leveret and Mills Reef Winery Cellar Door open from 9.30am-5pm and located in Katikati (2389 State Highway 2, RD4). Alternatively, you can order them online: www.wineportfolio.co.nz/shop