The Delta Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2025 has won gold and a record three trophies at the International Wine Challenge 2026. It has proven to be the kind of wine trophies were invented for!
Trophies were awarded for:
- International Sauvignon Blanc
- New Zealand White Wine
- Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The wine was awarded 96 points by the judges, with comment that the wine was “so full of life with real balance and power."
The International Wine Challenge is widely accepted as one of the world’s most prestigious, influential and rigorously tested blind tasted global wine challenges. The competition takes place in London, UK where all wines entered in the competition go through multiple rounds of blind tasting by a panel of renowned and well-respected wine judges. Gold medal winners are subjected to a further round of blind tasting to choose Trophy winners in a process that ensures total integrity and fairness.
Judges for the 2026 Challenge included:
- Sam Caporn MW
- Oz Clarke OBE
- Dr Jamie Goode
- Peter McCombie MW
- Helen McGinn
The IWC Committee stated, “New Zealand once again confirmed its strength across Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah, sparkling and sweet wines. Marlborough also performed strongly through Delta Sauvignon Blanc 2025, winner of the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Trophy, New Zealand White Trophy and International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy.”
Winemaker for Delta Estate, Heather Stewart said of the win, “I was excited to hear the news that we had won three trophies at the International Wine Challenge. It’s a nice feeling to know that a panel of esteemed judges across the other side of the world have been impressed by the wine I’ve crafted, and that the style of Sauvignon Blanc I love to create is appreciated by others.
"Marlborough is a really special, unique wine growing region, and I strive to capture the essence of our vineyards in our wines. I’m fortunate to work with an exceptional team in both the vineyard and winery cellar who continually strive for quality in our wines.”
