Gisborne vineyard finalist in first NZ Qualmark Tourism Wine Award

Wrights Vineyard and Winery was one of three finalists for the inaugural NZ Qualmark Tourism Wine Award, which recognises vineyards that offer sustainable tourism experiences. Cellar door and business manager Alice Poncet is pictured at work in the cellar.

Gsborne’s Wrights Vineyard & Winery missed out on the top gong but was still ranked among the country’s top three wine tourism vineyards at the Altogether Unique 2024 Awards held in Wellington last week.

Wrights was a finalist in the inaugural New Zealand Qualmark Tourism Wine Award held as part of the NZ Wine-run Altogether Unique awards.

The award recognises the significant role wine tourism plays in New Zealand’s visitor economy and focuses on vineyards that offer sustainable tourism experiences.

Winemaker Geoff Wright said while they did not win the award, it was a significant milestone for a winery known for its commitment to sustainability, organic practices and community involvement.

“We were totally blown away,” he said. “We have just recently won 10 medals for our organic wines at the NZ Organic Wine Awards and now our cellar door has been recognised as a top-three finalist in New Zealand.”

The award was won by the Kinross vineyard located in Gibbston Valley, Otago, while the other finalist was The Landing in the Bay of Islands.

Owned and operated by Geoff and wife Nicola, with vital help from their five sons and cellar door and business manager Alice Poncet, Manutūkē-based Wrights is a “true family business”.

“Whether it’s tending the vines, welcoming guests at the cellar door, or helping out during big events, the entire family is hands-on,” Geoff Wright said.

The New Zealand Qualmark Tourism Wine Award received 30 submissions from across the country.

Judges were highly impressed with the entries, noting how each finalist demonstrated excellence in hospitality, sustainability and community care.

Judge Stephanie Holmes - the lifestyle and travel editor for the New Zealand Herald - said: “Our three finalists all demonstrated excellence across our judging criteria, making it a very tough call to narrow it down to a winner. Ultimately, Kinross came out on top, thanks to their comprehensive entry that painted a clear picture of their business, its values and how they are put into practice. Kinross offers a world-class experience while still retaining a unique ‘only in New Zealand’ wow factor.”