The 2024 NZ Fruit Wine & Cider Awards, held last Friday night in Nelson, highlighted the innovation and craftsmanship defining New Zealand’s fruit wine and cider industry.
With more than 128 entries vying for distinction, the awards showcased standout creations from across the country, celebrating New Zealand’s uniquely Kiwi flavours and growing commitment to quality.
Paynter’s Cider from Hawke’s Bay took top honours as Champion Cider with its Mon Cherry, while Warkworth’s Lothlorien Winery was awarded Champion Fruit Wine for its Feijoa & Manuka Honey Liqueur.
In an exceptional performance, Peckham’s Cidery and Orchard once again claimed the coveted Champion Producer Trophy, winning six gold medals and three best-in-class trophies.
A panel of six senior judges and two associate judges, led by chair Merophy Hyslop, awarded 15 trophies, 17 Gold, 50 Silver, and 40 Bronze medals.
“Each year, cider quality leaps forward, reflecting rising industry standards,” says Chair of Judges, Merophy Hyslop.
“This year, traditional and low-alcohol categories stood out, with more uniquely Kiwi ingredients like feijoa, boysenberry, and pohutukawa – making these drinks one-of-a-kind”.
RESULTS: 2024 NEW ZEALAND FRUIT WINE AND CIDER AWARDS
NZ Champion Cider – Mon Cherry, Paynter’s Cider (Hawke’s Bay)
NZ Champion Fruit Wine – Feijoa & Manuka Honey Liqueur, Lothlorien Winery (Warkworth)
NZ Champion Producer – Peckham’s Cidery & Orchard (Tasman)
Trophy winners: Cider
Best Modern Cider – Easy Rider, Capital Cider Co (Tasman)
Best Traditional Cider – Hazy Apple, Peckham’s Cidery & Orchard (Tasman)
Best Pear Cider (Perry) – The Earl’s Drop Perry 2020, Tee Pee Cider (Greytown)
Best Cider with Berry Fruit – Boysenberry, Peckham’s Cidery & Orchard (Tasman)
Best Cider With Non-Berry Fruits –Mon Cherry, Paynter’s Cider (Hawke’s Bay)
Best Cider with Spice, Botanicals or Honey – Pohutukawa Flower 2024, Elemental Cider (Otaki)
Best Bottle-Fermented Cider – Dry As 2024, Elemental Cider (Ōtaki)
Best Low /Zero Alcohol Cider – Apple Zero, Peckham’s Cidery & Orchard (Tasman)
Trophy winners: Fruit wine
Best Alcoholic Soft Drink – Ginger Beesies, The Cider Factorie, (Tauranga)
Best Fortified Fruit Wine or Fruit Liqueur – Feijoa & Manuka Honey Liqueur, Lothlorien Winery (Warkworth)
Best Table Fruit Wine – Organic Blueberry Wine, Monavale Blueberries (Cambridge)
Best Kombucha – Gin & Ginger, Kombucha Bros (Nelson)
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