Edit DRINKS

TOP PINOT

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) is one of the most rigorously judged wine competitions in the world and so a tick from here is a coveted thing. Valli Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019 therefore, must be feeling mighty proud, having claimed the IWC Sustainable Trophy, the Central Otago Pinot Noir Trophy and being declared the New Zealand Red Trophy winner for 2021. $69 from valliwines.com.

MAKE IT RAIN

Kiwi gin may be having a moment, but other local spirits are also producing some awardwinning deliciousness. Reefton Distilling Co’s Wild Rain vodka – recipient of Best New Zealand Vodka and Best Overall Vodka at the New Zealand Spirits Awards 2021 – is named for the pure spring water used, FROOHFWHG IURP UDLQV WKDW KDYH ˡOWHUHG through nearby mountain ranges. 700ml $79.99 from reeftondistillingco.com.

TAKING FLIGHT

Hastings Distillers’ L’Opera aperitif recently took the trophy home for Best New Zealand Liqueur at the New Zealand Spirits Awards 2021. A citrusy blend of organically grown Seville oranges, roots and flowers, it’s the first up at a new Bespoke Tastings experience at the craft distillery’s plush Hastings tasting room. The aperitif is followed by a series of Hastings Distillers’ gins served with a platter of local produce, then finished with a cocktail of your choice from the menu. $90 per person, book a spot at hastingsdistillers.com/tastingroom.

SEASONAL DREAMING

Good George’s new Deckchair Hazy IPA has us longing for summer days on the deck. It’s a golden juicy number, full of hoppy goodness, with enough depth to get us through the last of the cold and onto sunnier days. Available from September, $20.99 for a six pack.

STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Marlborough craft distillery Elemental Distillers has been celebrating some exciting times. Its Roots Marlborough Dry Gin won both Best New Zealand Gin and Best Overall Gin at the latest New Zealand Spirits Awards. Plus, the recent launch of its Norwester Navy Strength Gin involved a live recreation of the Royal Navy gunpowder test which was common practice back in the 1800s to test the strength of alcohol. 700ml $105 from elementaldistillers.com.