Since 2003, the New World Wine Awards has been finding a top drop at a great price.
Over time, we’ve increased the limit from $20 to $25 to include more quality wines in the competition. This compilation helps you find the best tasting wines in New Zealand for under $25.
Related article:
Read our guide to New Zealand Wine Styles
Best red wines under $25
Big and bold, or floral and fruity? However you like your red wine, here you’ll find award-winning wines of New Zealand for under $25.
Best New Zealand Red Blend under $25
Pair our top blends with these food recommendations:
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.
Best New Zealand 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.
Best New Zealand 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-lover’s 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.
Best white wines under $25
Enjoying a quiet night in, or hosting a gathering with friends? Choosing one of these award-winning white wines of New Zealand for under $25 will make any occasion more memorable.
Best New Zealand aromatic wines under $25
te Pā 2024 Marlborough Riesling
Variety: Aromatics
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Intense, pretty, and floral with a long refreshing finish.
Tohu SV Whenua Matua Albariño 2021
Variety: Aromatics
Region: Nelson, New Zealand
Price: Under $20
Key notes: The Champion Aromatic, Tangy, textured and fresh with lime and floral notes and a crisp finish.
Best New Zealand Chardonnay under $25
Church Road Chardonnay 2023
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: The Champion White Wine and unashamedly old school! Toasty, nutty and buttery - a winning combination.
Clearview Estate Coastal Chardonnay 2023
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Instantly likeable with ripe citrus notes and a long finish.
Best New Zealand Pinot Gris under $25
Triplebank Awatere Valley Pinot Gris 2024
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: A real crowd-pleaser that is richly textured and well-balanced.
Vavasour Awatere Valley Pinot Gris 2023
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Sophisticated and delicious with ripe pear and ginger spice.
Luna Estate Pinot Gris 2023
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: Wairarapa, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Slightly off-dry with bright acidity and instant appeal.
Matahiwi Estate Pinot Gris, Wairarapa 2023
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: Wairarapa, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Finely textured and fruity with tropical flavours and great length.
Selaks Taste Collection Pear and Apple Pinot Gris 2024
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Immediately appealing with enticing pear and apple flavours.
Thornbury Waipara Pinot Gris 2024
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: North Canterbury, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: The Champion Pinot Gris with great concentration and intense flavours.
Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc under $25
Enjoy one of our best Sauvignon Blanc wines with these food pairings:
With its punchy and upfront flavours with zesty mouthfeel, Sauvignon loves seafood of all kinds, especially mussel fritters, sashimi, smoked salmon and barbeque prawns. The wine can also handle mild spicy food with ease, such as Thai yellow and green curries. The classic Caprese salad of tomato, basil and mozzarella is a must-try with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
Triplebank Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: The Champion Sauvignon Blanc with pristine fruit, intense flavours and great length.
Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: "“Classic” and expressive with crunchy ripe fruit and exquisite balance."
Summerhouse Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Upfront and lively, with universal appeal.
The Hunting Lodge Expressions Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Lovely fresh flavours with oyster shell minerality.
Vicar's Choice Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Style: Dry White Wine
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Punchy, crunchy and refreshing with great citrus and tropical flavours.
Selaks Taste Collection Tropical Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Tropical, punchy and bright with guava and apple flavours.
Esk Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2023
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: A classic drop with lovely fruit flavours and a zingy finish.
Best sparkling wines under $25
Looking for a pairing for sparkling wine?
The number one pick for celebration cheers. Bubbles are also versatile when it comes to food pairing, from freshly shucked oysters and prawn cocktails to fish & chips and loaded fries. Vietnamese fresh rolls and guacamole also work beautifully with the wine’s bright acidity. It’s also super comfortable with a cheese platter with spiced nuts, dried fruits and salty prosciutto.
Lindauer Special Reserve Blanc de Blancs NV
Variety: Bubbles
Region: Gisborne, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Complex and creamy, a top-notch bubbles for any occasion.
Lindauer Special Reserve Rosé NV
Variety: Bubbles
Region: Regional Blend
Price: Under $25
Key notes: The Champion Sparkling, with delightful flavours and great creamy texture.
Best Rosé wines under $25
Looking for a rosé food pairing?
This sunshine in a glass wine offers a myriad of options – great with antipasto platters and much more. Watermelon, mint and feta salad? Brilliant. Christmas ham with sticky glaze? Of course. Sushi with all kinds of fillings? Absolutely. Rosé offers juicy fruit intensity, which goes splendidly well with soft cheeses like brie and mozzarella, as well as a heart-warming spicy roasted-tomato soup.
Tohu Nelson Rosé 2024
Variety: Rosé
Region: Nelson, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Charming - strawberries and cream with a crisp finish.
Ara Single Estate Rosé 2023
Variety: Rosé
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Textural with ripe fruit flavours and a lingering finish.
Holdaway Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2024
Variety: Rosé
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Highly perfumed and sophisticated. Great for summer dining alfresco.
Te Kano Life Rosé 2023
Variety: Rosé
Region: Central Otago, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: The Champion Rose Elegant and dry with fine aromatics and a vibrant finish.
Caythorpe Family Estate Marlborough Rosé 2023
Variety: Rosé
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Price: Under $25
Key notes: Floral scented and fresh with dazzling fruit and a creamy finish.
Explore New Zealand’s best wines
Hopefully, now you feel more confident to try a new style of wine, or your favourite wine variety from a new vineyard. As much as the Awards celebrate the achievements of our wine industry, a gold medal on the label ensures you’re getting the best quality, affordable wines in-store.
Learn more about each wine varietal in our wine varietals guide.
Ready to try some award-winning New Zealand wines? All of our Gold medal-winners are available now from your local New World.
Related articles:
Read our guide to the different types of wine
Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs
5 of the best Pinot Noirs of 2024
Best New Zealand wines for under $20