Spy Valley earns Winery of the Year honours

Spy Valley will have a hard time going incognito after having its cover blown at the London Wine Competition. The Waihopai Valley winery won gold for all seven wines it entered, en route to honours as Winery of the Year New Zealand.

Some 50 judges, including Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers, awarded Spy Valley from among 100 wineries and 1,300 wines from around the world.

“To be recognised on this stage is incredible,” said Amanda Johnson, owner and managing director, adding appreciation for global competitions “being champions for our industry” and noting how “it means a lot for all of us making wine on this island, far away from the rest of the world”.

Earning golds were 2023 Envoy by Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Johnson Vineyard; 2025 Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc; 2024 Spy Valley Gewürztraminer; 2024 Spy Valley Chardonnay; 2025 Satellite by Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc; 2025 Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc First Release; and 2025 Kimi Sauvignon Blanc.

Observed winemaker Emily Gaspard-Clark: “Achieving strong results across our Sauvignon Blanc range is fantastic. It’s equally rewarding to see this success reflected across our other varietals.”