Winning wineries
by Metropol | June 24, 2026 8:33 am
In a historic moment for North Canterbury, Bell Hill Vineyard in Weka Pass has been named Winery of the Year 2026 by The Real Review, writes Metropol’s Lucy Brewer.
The Real Review, one of Australasia’s most trusted authorities on wine, has announced its 2026 ranking of the Top Wineries of New Zealand. After an extensive tasting of nearly 4000 wines, North Canterbury’s Bell Hill has taken out the prestigious top spot.
Released annually to celebrate excellence in New Zealand wine, The Real Review Top Wineries of New Zealand list recognises producers consistently crafting outstanding wines, independently assessed by its New Zealand team of Masters of Wine, Stephen Wong MW and Jane Skilton MW. The awards serve as a national benchmark, showing how New Zealand’s favourite wineries rank among their peers based on their performance over the past two years of releases.
After placing 12th in 2025, Bell Hill leapt to the top of the list, pushing the two-time consecutive winner Felton Road (2025/2024) to runner-up.
“Bell Hill has firmly established itself at the forefront of New Zealand winemaking with a series of releases that reflect both the precision of their site and the care taken at every stage of the process. Drawing on North Canterbury’s exceptional limestone soils, their wines show remarkable depth, structure and finesse.
The consistency and calibre across the range this year made them a clear standout,” says Master of Wine Jane Skilton.
Bell Hill was not the only North Canterbury winery featured at the awards. Amongst the Top 30 Wineries in New Zealand, Black Estate Winery placed 14th, and Pegasus Bay Winery placed 21st, reinforcing North Canterbury’s growing international reputation and influence. Dancing Water Winery in Waipara was also again named on the esteemed list. The Real Review will hold its Top Wineries of New Zealand 2026 dinner on Thursday 13 August at Bistro Saine in Auckland.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/winning-wineries/