Hawke's Bay's international reputation as a syrah-producing gem, and the reputation of a relatively small player in the wine industry, has been boosted big time after Rod McDonald Wines scooped up four trophies at the International Wine Challenge Awards in London.
The trophies all went in the direction of the Quarter Acre Syrah 2015, to the delight of winemaker Rod McDonald.
"The win is big for us and for New Zealand," he said of the success the Quarter Acre 2015 posted, particularly with it taking the Best International Syrah trophy.
"For a small business like ours to scoop the Best International Syrah and the Best New Zealand Red - it is a big deal."
As well as those awards, the Quarter Acre picked up Best New Zealand Syrah and Best Hawke's Bay Syrah.