As the year speeds swiftly towards a close, many industries pause to reflect on the past 12 months, often by publishing annual reports. They may sound dry but many of them contain gems of information, as the latest New Zealand Winegrowers Inc Annual Report 2025 does. Never fear. I am not going to regale readers with the data because it's all available here: https://www.nzwine.com/media/ohtobhbr/nzw-annual-report_2025_digital_lr.pdf

I am still part way through reading this report, which arrived in the post (yes, in physical form) late last week, and it's good to see in the Chair's Report that "... the  New Zealand Wine Brand health is strong brand. According to market researcher, IWSR, lighter refreshing styles are outpacing overall wine category performance. This shift is driven by varietals with more refreshing palate profiles, which New Zealand excels in delivering."

It's with exactly that thought in mind that I share the following five top drops, all of which over deliver on value for money and taste, having all made the grade to get into this year's Top 50 Under $30 at the New World Wine Awards (NWWA). As a judge at this year's NWWA, I was  extremely impressed with this country's white wines, in particular New Zealand Chardonnays. There's no shortage of not-so-good news right now but one thing we can celebrate is the growing quality of the wine produced in this country, something that the producers of the following four wines show - the fifth is a fun fizz that also celebrates affordability.

Five top drops from the 2025 New World Wine Awards

2024 Wither Hills Marlborough Riesling RRP $17.99

If you're a fan of freshness and lightness, here it is; a dry Riesling from the country's biggest wine region, Marlborough, where the climate brings notes of lime, lemon and freshly picked apples to the party - all of these flavours combine in a zesty, bright and light white wine. 

2024 The Hunting Lodge Albarino RRP $24.99

Albarino is the most exciting newcomer to New Zealand's national vineyard and this excellent example from Marlborough is the Champion White Wine of the NWWA 2025 for its textural mouthfeel and bright freshness. Citrus, stone fruit and fresh herb flavours all combine in this tangy dry white.

2024 Main Divide Chardonnay RRP $17.99

Main Divide Chardonnay consistently punches way above its price with creamy complexity, complemented by a tangy citrus twist of flavour in a full bodied, dry style.

2024 SOHO Harry Rosé Marlborough RRP $25

Soho’s Harry Rosé has impressed me several times this year and it's great to see it make the cut into the top 50 wines under $30 in the 2025 New World Wine Awards. This vibrant rosé has juicy aromas, flavours of red berries, watermelon and a fresh citrus taste on the finish.

Canti Prosecco DOC RRP $19.99

Prosecco is the world’s best selling and most popular sparkling wine and this award winning version shows why. It made the grade of the top 50 wines under $30 at this year’s New World Wine Awards for its light body, dry flavours and fruity aromas of white peach, a gentle hint of spice (think: cinnamon) and lively character.

Explore the Top 50 wines under $30 here newworld.co.nz/wineawards