Global accolade delights team at Craggy Range

DINE IN: Terroir restaurant at Craggy Range is the only New Zealand winery restaurant on the list of 20 Best Winery Restaurants Around the World. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Terroir at Craggy Range has been voted among the top 20 of the world's best.

The acclaimed eatery is the only New Zealand winery restaurant on the list of 20 Best Winery Restaurants Around the World and sits proudly alongside establishments from 11 countries including Spain, Italy, Portugal, South Africa and the United States.

The restaurant came in at 14th place in the list produced by New York online publication The Daily Meal.

The publication's panellists comprised US food and wine writers, wine experts, sommeliers and bloggers, who cast their vote based on cuisine, wine, winery experience and style, decor and service.

It stated its top 20 list was "carefully curated through a three-month-long nomination process consulting with the Michelin Guide and other trusted sources". The site also gathered recommendations from its editors and contributors, who "have travelled and dined extensively around the world".

The article said the panellists voted only for the restaurants they believed to be extraordinary.

In the wine category, panellists judged the wines available in the restaurant and specifically looked for wines that are balanced, harmonious, complex and paired effectively with the dishes.

The overall dining experience was assessed from the restaurant's interior design and dining room ambience to the skill and efficiency of the service.

Craggy Range chief operating officer Michael Wilding said the award was a "wonderful accolade" for the 16-year-old winery.

"The Daily Meal honour is testament to the exceptional service provided by the Terroir team as well as recognition of our head chef Leyton Ashley's ambition to showcase the best produce from New Zealand presented in a style that is simple and real," Mr Wilding said.

Mr Ashley said the award results from dedicated teamwork.

"As you can see from the criteria it's not just the food that counts for The Daily Meal award, it's the entire dining experience. That's something we have always focused on but even then it's pretty amazing to receive this tribute. Everybody's thrilled, I can tell you."