New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) is honoured to be awarded the best Wine Region for the 2026 Azure Road Impact Awards Drinks Category. Alongside this recognition, Loveblock winery received the best Wine Brand in this influential US publication’s inaugural awards.
“This award recognises the deep commitment to sustainability by New Zealand’s grape growers and wineries. Our goal is to be an industry of choice, and we are committed to protecting the places and celebrating the people that make our renowned wines”. Says NZW’s GM Sustainability, Dr Ed Massey.
For more than thirty years, the industry has embedded sustainable practices through Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ), a world‑leading, data‑driven programme that provides robust, industry‑wide evidence of environmental and social responsibility. Over that time, SWNZ has evolved into a comprehensive, independently audited programme that now certifies 98% of New Zealand’s vineyard area and approximately 90% of wine production by volume. That level of participation by both grape growers and wineries sets this programme apart as the only one of its kind around the world and their commitment to SWNZ has helped drive our reputation for producing sustainable premium wine.
Sustainability in New Zealand wine is grounded in protecting the places where wine is grown; its soils, water, biodiversity and unique regional landscapes, while responding to climate change through continuous improvement. New Zealand wines reflect the places they come from – shaped by our people and protected through our commitment to a sustainable future.
As the 2026 harvest nears completion, this award will come as welcome news to the industry.
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New Zealand Winegrowers' images can be found here.
For further information, contact:
Chrissy Powlesland
Communications Manager, New Zealand Winegrowers
+64 21 331 398
chrissy.powlesland@nzwine.com
Dr Edwin Massey
GM Sustainability, New Zealand Winegrowers
+64 21 192 4924
edwin.massey@nzwine.com
Editor’s notes
Find out more here: Azure Road Impact Awards 2026 Winners Revealed.
NEW ZEALAND WINEGROWERS
New Zealand Winegrowers Inc. is the national organisation for the country's grape and wine sector, with over 600 grower members and 700 winery members. nzwine.com
NEW ZEALAND WINE
New Zealand wine is exported to more than 100 countries
New Zealand produces just over 1% of the world’s wine
New Zealand wine is New Zealand’s seventh-largest export good
New Zealand wine exports for 2025 were $2.10 billion
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