Villa Maria awarded 12 golds and two trophies at Royal Easter Show Wine Awards

Sir George Fistonich, left, and winemaker Gianni Flego, of Villa Maria. Photo / Supplied

Villa Maria's reputation as New Zealand's most awarded winery was upheld when it was awarded 12 golds and two trophies at last night's Royal Easter Show Wine Awards.

Villa Maria took home an impressive 20per cent of the total gold medals awarded in the 2018 competition.

Group chief winemakerNick Piconewas particularly excited the golds spanned all four tiers of Villa Maria wines.

"We are thrilled the gold medals were awarded to a spectrum of wines from our Private Bin, Cellar Selection, Reserve and Single Vineyard ranges, and from several regions - Gisborne, Marlborough, Hawke's Bay and Auckland."

The family-owned winery won both the Champion Syrah and Heritage Category with its Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2016 and Villa Maria Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2005, 2010 and 2015 respectively.

Villa Maria founder and presidentSir George Fistonichbelieves the awards are an outcome of a passionate and hard-working winemaking team.

"These incredible results are an indication that with an unwavering commitment to quality our talented and passionate winemaking team continues to produce world-class wines."