A record number of gold medals have been handed out at this year's Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
Some 112 medals were given out - the highest tally since the national wine competition began in 1974.
Pinot noir was the strongest performer this year winning 27 medals, followed by sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and then riesling.
The chair of Judges and Master of Wine, Michael Brajkovich, said the pinot noir was outstanding - especially the wines from last year's vintage.
The elite gold medal and trophy winners would be announced in Hawke's Bay later this month.
