North Canterbury estate crowns years of sustained excellence at the Aotearoa NZ Organic Wine Awards

Greystone Wines of North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley has been named “The Riedel Vineyard of the Year” at the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Organic Wine Awards. This title is awarded each year to the estate that achieves the best results across the competition, with Greystone this year winning three Champion titles and two gold medals across five different varieties.

The 2026 awards drew entries from certified organic producers across all of New Zealand's major wine regions, with 181 medals awarded across the competition.

Greystone Wines — 2026 Results

• The Riedel Vineyard of the Year – Greystone Wines

• Champion Riesling – Greystone Organic Riesling 2025

• Champion Pinot Gris – Greystone Organic Pinot Gris 2025

• Gold Medal – Greystone Organic Chardonnay 2024

• Gold Medal – Greystone Organic ‘Barrel Fermented’ Sauvignon Blanc 2025

Paul Donaghy, Chief Executive of Greystone Wines said …“The Aotearoa New Zealand Organic Wine Awards are very special because the independent panel of judges leans toward actual consumers with no industry sponsorship. To be recognised by that audience, across multiple varieties, says something important about how our wines are connecting with the consumers in the market”.

Luke Thomas, Awards Curator of the NZ Organic Wine Awards, noted that Greystone stood out "for the consistency and quality across the full range." He described each wine as showing "real clarity and confidence, a strong sense of place and a very clear winemaking vision. Their consistency speaks volumes about the care and discipline behind both the vineyard and the winemaking."

Peter Thomas, founder of Greystone Wines, said that when the family planted the blocks in 2004 they believed the land "had something exceptional to say." He said committing to organic farming and winemaking "wasn't a difficult decision, it was the only way we could imagine doing justice to the vineyard." He continued … “This award is recognition for the team here at Greystone – our viticultural team led by Liam Burgess, and our winemaking team led by Georgia Mehlhopt. They are exceptional young people totally dedicated to making outstanding, while exciting and intriguing, wines. We are so grateful that they are here at Greystone.”

Liam Burgess, Chief Viticulturist said …” “the land, the soils, are very important to the integrity of the estate and farming organically is an integral part of what we do.” He continued …”I don’t know what else we would do?”

Georgia Mehlhopt, Greystone's Chief Winemaker, said she believes that commitment "shows in the vines, the people, the soil and the decisions we make each day," and that it is ultimately "reflected in the wines that we get to share with the world." She noted the “recognition of the Vineyard, the Championship trophies and medals were a celebration of the care that we take from vines to the glass.” For Mehlhopt, organics is no longer even a discussion. "It's just what we do and who we are."