New Zealand's oldest wine competition, the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards, had a record number of entries and gold medals.
The awards have been running for 53 years and this year yielded 70 gold medals.
The 1261 wines entered in this year's competition was also a record, up from 1014 enteredlast year.
Wine awards director Terry Dunleavy said the increase reflected rapid growth in the number of New Zealand wineries.
Four panels of judges tasted entries over a two-day period, led by chairman of judges and Master of Wine Bob Campbell. Next year five panels would be used to cope with the increased number of wines.
The 2005 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards were:
Show champion: : Olssens Slapjack Creek Pinot Noir 2003.
Methode champenoise or sparkling wine: Paradox Marlborough Methode Traditionnelle NV.
Pinot gris: Bladen Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004.
Chardonnay: Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay 2003.
