Wairarapa Blind Wine Tasting 2026
- Celia Hay
Wairarapa Regional Wine Tasting Competition 2026
Congratulations to 2026 winners: Team Golden Dawn
• Ben Masters (Ata Rangi)
• Helen Masters (Ata Rangi)
• Wilco Lam
• Tom de Hamel
Nick Hewitt, Committee member of NZ Sommeliers & Wine Professionals Association hosted the 6th Annual Blind Wine Tasting Competition in Martinborough, bringing together local winemakers, viticulturists, hospitality professionals and wine enthusiasts for an evening of blind tasting, friendly rivalry and plenty of wine discussion.
Eight teams of 4 tasted their way through eight wines completely blind, answering 40 questions covering grape varieties, regions, countries, vintages and wine knowledge to determine this year’s champions.
A new trophy was introduced this year, with the names of previous champions backdated to honour the history of the competition. The trophy recognises the dominance of Gris Anatomy from 2021–2024, followed by Pour Decisions in 2025, before Golden Dawn etched their name into the record books as the 2026 champions.
2nd Second Place: Gris Anatomy
3rd Third Place: Guava
The Competition was followed by Dinner at Nara.
Most importantly, 100% of the proceeds from this event are donated back to NZ Sommeliers & Wine Professionals Association. These funds are reinvested into wine education, professional development, tasting programmes, regional events and supporting New Zealand wine professionals as they represent our industry both nationally and internationally.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated wines, volunteered their time and helped make the evening such a success.
We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2027.
Nick Hewitt
#NZSommeliers #WineProfessionalsNZ #BlindTasting #WineEducation #Martinborough #WairarapaWine #NewZealandWine #SommelierLife