“They have all had recent show success and Cuisine ratings.
“Local wineries are also doing well on the show circuit with this varietal, namely Hihi Wines and GroCo Nga Mihi label,” Thompson said.
![Gisborne's Nga Mihi Albarino was recognised as the champion Gisborne wine at the 2026 Hawke's Bay Wine Awards hosted by the Hawke's Bay A&P Society. Mark Thompson, Guy Ruttlidge and Ant McKenzie are pictured with the award.]()
Gisborne’s Nga Mihi Albarino was recognised as the champion Gisborne wine at the 2026 Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards hosted by the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society. Mark Thompson, Guy Ruttlidge and Ant McKenzie are pictured with the award.
“All this bodes well for a region that has been severely impacted by vineyard removal and loss of industry players in the wine industry.”
With the departure of wine giant Indevin, more than half of the region’s grapevines were pulled out.
“We’re excited about the Albariño variety’s ability to flourish in the warmer climate of the Gisborne region.
“We believe the warmer climatic conditions help to curb this variety’s sometimes excessive acidity, while retaining its exuberant flavour profile.
“Cheers to Gisborne Albariño in all its forms.”
Albariño results- The 2026 NZ International Wine Show:
Gold – Hihi Albariño 2026
Gold – Steve Bird Whānau Reserve Albariño 2025
Silver – Misty Cove Landmark Gisborne Albariño 2025
Silver – Ngā Mihi Gisborne Albariño 2026
Bronze – Red Hut Hexton Village Albariño 2026
The 2026 Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards:
Gold – Hihi Albariño 2026
Gold – Nga Mihi Gisborne Albariño 2025
Gold – Albariño Brothers Bell Gisborne Albariño 2025
Silver – Ngā Mihi Gisborne Albariño 2026
2025 Aotearoa Regional Wine Awards:
Gold – Nga Mihi 2025 Gisborne Albariño
Regional Trophy – Nga Mihi 2025 Gisborne Albariño
2026 Cuisine Albariño Tasting:
5 Stars – Albariño Brothers Gisborne Albariño 2024
4 1/2 Stars – Albariño Brothers Bell Vineyard Albariño 2025
4 Stars – Misty Cove Landmark Albariño 2025
4 Stars – Steve Bird Gisborne Albariño 2024
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