Crack into 9 of the best red wines NZ has to offer from the New World Wine Awards 2024 Gold Winners. Pinot Noir, Shiraz & more. Affordable & delicious - ready for summer.
The New World Wine Awards judges some of the best red wines from across New Zealand and around the world. It’s incredible to see some local Kiwi vineyards hold their own against some well-established wineries from Australia, Europe and South America.
So if you’re looking for a bold, punchy Syrah, an intensely rich Cabernet Sauvignon or a gentle, fruity Pinot Noir, you can’t look past these 2024 gold medal winners.
Top Red Blend under $25
Pair our top blends with these food recommendations:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec are typically used in red blends, therefore similar food matches work well here. Although these wines can be powerful and substantial, they can also be gentler with elegant harmony and sophistication.
Red wine risotto with assorted mushrooms would be comfortingly delicious. The stylish beef Wellington with rich gravy works beautifully. Moreover, it’s a satisfying wine to finish a meal with aged cheeses and quince paste.
Mission Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2021
Variety: Red Blends
Region: Hawke's Bay
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Classic Bordeaux-style blend with Kiwi drinkability.
Related article:
Read our guide to popular red wine blends.
6 best Pinot Noir under $25
Pair our favourite pinot noirs with these foods:
Pinot Noir is lighter in colour and richness than some reds but does not lack in power to enhance a wide range of dishes. Fabulous with duck confit with duck fat roasted potatoes, rack of lamb with herb crust and meltingly delicious slow-cooked pork belly. It can partner poultry as well as beefy casseroles, and the iconic pizza margherita is absolutely yummy with Pinot.
Luna Estate Pinot Noir 2022
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Wairarapa, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: The Champion Pinot Noir with a fine texture and delicious savoury notes.
Misty Cove Estate Pinot Noir 2023
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Energetic and well-balanced with plum, raspberry and sweet leather.
Madam Sass Central Otago Pinot Noir 2022
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Central Otago, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: "Sass in a glass!” Bold and generous with instant appeal.
Welcome Swallow Pinot Noir 2023
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Central Otago, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Bright and juicy with fine tannins and great concentration.
McArthur Ridge Brassknocker 2022
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Central Otago, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Spicy with bright red fruit - a real crowd-pleaser!
Grove Mill Marlborough Pinot Noir 2023
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Juicy raspberry, cherry and plum with cedar and silky tannins.
Related article:
2 best Shiraz & Syrah under $25
Pair the best Shiraz & Syrah with these foods:
New Zealand Syrah offers elegance and roundness, making it delightfully juicy and supple. Great with spaghetti bolognese, steak with black or green peppercorn sauce and meat-lovers pizza.
The Aussie version, Shiraz, packs more oomph and richness, ideal with BBQ veggies and meats, roast lamb with dark gravy and beef cheek ragu with pappardelle. The strong flavour of the wine is a great match for strong cheeses, especially aged cheddar and washed-rind cheese.
Church Road Syrah 2021
Variety: Shiraz and Syrah
Region: Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: The Champion Syrah/Shiraz from an excellent vintage. Fruit-forward and opulent.
Trinity Hill Hawke's Bay Syrah 2021
Variety: Shiraz and Syrah
Region: Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Top-value red with silky tannins, dark fruit and savoury spice.
Related article:
Fancy a glass of red?
Want to find more award-winning wines for under $25 a bottle? Take a look at our pick of the best New Zealand wines of 2024. Or, use our wine finder tool to search for a wine that takes your fancy.
Ready to try some award-winning New Zealand red wines? All of our Gold medal-winners are available online now from your local New World. There are limited quantities of some red wine vintages available.
Whatever the occasion, these award winning red wines are ready for you to share and enjoy.
Related articles:
Read our guide to Shiraz and Syrah wine
Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs
Top white wines of 2024
5 of the best Pinot Noirs of 2024
Best New Zealand wines for under $20