Earlier this year, Liquorland launched a wine awards with a difference. 

Thinking big, they appointed the whole of New Zealand as judges, and invited Kiwis to share their everyday favourite wine and their wine for a special occasion and why they like them.

From 29th May you can view the full list of Picked By You winning wines on the Liquorland website, where you can sort by variety, food matches, region and price to find the best wine to suit your occasion. Alternatively visit your local Liquorland where the winning wines wil be highlighted in-store.

In the meantime, here's a sneak preview of the winning wines by varietal with accompanying comments and tips by our highly tasteful judges (again, that's you)…

WHITE

CHARDONNAY

Church Road

“Consistently hits my tastebuds the right way. Drinkable as a stand-alone drink or with most foods. A very safe and enjoyable go-to wine” – Mike

SAUVIGNON BLANC

Oyster Bay

“Beautiful easy-drinking wine. Goes well with blue cheese and crackers” – Rach

PINOT GRIS

The Ned

“A prettily-blushed delicious drop which is rich enough to pair with my favourite winter meals, yet refreshing to drink on a long hot summer night. Always available, reasonably priced” – Tracey

RIESLING

?Giesen 

“A true taste of New Zealand. I recommend it to all my friends and they are hooked on this fantastic gold drop from heaven” – Margaret

ROSÉ 

ROSÉ

The Ned

“So nice to sit and sip, especially on a hot day! Plus it’s reasonably priced which is always a bonus” – Kiri

BUBBLES

CHAMPAGNE

Moet

“Every milestone (buying our first house) or special event (family Christmas) we buy a bottle to enjoy together” – Charlotte

ASTI

Riccadonna

“A lovely sweet decadent wine, and an affordable substitute for champagne” – Tania

RED

MERLOT

Villa Maria Private Bin

“Not too heavy a red for after work, lovely and warming in winter and I have it a tiny bit chilled during summer” – Sally

SHIRAZ

Taylors Estate

“Full-bodied, an impactful flavour with just the right kick, it lets you know it’s a special night” – Jaz

PINOT NOIR

Rabbit Ranch

“Light enough to be drinkable with any meal, but still holds enough oomf in its blackberry tones to roll over the tongue like velvet” – Cameron