By Amy Looker, editor National Liquor News
Yealands Wine Group is on a winning streak, receiving accolades for both its wine and its sustainability practices.
The Marlborough-based winery was named New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London on Wednesday evening last week, collecting 37 medals, including a gold medal for the Yealands Estate Winemaker’s Reserve Gibbston Pinot Noir 2013 and three silver outstanding medals.
Also in London last week, the winery won the title of World Champion at the International Green Apple Environment Awards, trumping 500 global nominations from a range of industries with its sustainability initiatives.
Founder, Peter Yealands, said he and the team were thrilled with the winery’s achievements this week and hinted at more to come.
“It’s a brilliant result at the IWSC, a milestone award which endorses our entire range of world class wines. It’s so humbling to see the company go from strength to strength,” said Yealands.
“This week we were awarded an overall World Champion title from the International Green Apple Environment awards and five gold medals at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
"The Green Apple Awards are one of the most highly regarded sustainability awards in the world and we had our fingers crossed for a trophy but are absolutely ecstatic to have claimed the top prize and walk away with a World Champion title.
To receive further international recognition for our overall wine quality from the IWSC is simply outstanding,” said Yealands.