Saturday 16 April 2016 saw Hunter's Wines win the coveted Wine of the Show at the Sunday Times Vintage Festival in London, UK.
The award is a repeat of the famous 1986 award that put Hunter's Wines and New Zealand wines on the world stage. Back then, the late Ernie Hunter collected the award to great praise and popular media coverage. In 2016 it was Jane Hunter's brother in law and Hunter's General Manager, Peter Macdonald, who was on hand to accept the award.
Jane commented: "The Hunter's story began with the Sunday Times Vintage Festival win in 1986 and we are thrilled that 30 years later we can again stand in Ernie's shoes to continue from that amazing success with our current vintage Sauvignon Blanc."
Amazingly it was some friendly and familiar faces that still grace the stage including show host and wine retailer Tony Laithwaite and world renowned wine writer Hugh Johnson. Both Tony and Hugh were present at the original win back in 1986.
Tony Laithwaite commented, "It was such a great moment when Hunters took the top prize Saturday night at the London Vintage Festival just 30 years since Ernie Hunter himself won at the same show. Quite emotional. The prize was once again presented by Hugh Johnson. This time to Peter Macdonald. I was also there again; very happy.
I guess this time it won't make the news in quite the same way as 1986. 1986 was the first time anyone had seen a big powerful Marlborough Sauvignon. It caused some considerable amazement. Today, Marlborough Sauvignons regularly win prizes around the world. It is always popular at our show. It's the one all the others have to beat."
Hunter's Wines are available across New Zealand at all good wine retailers. Contact Hunter's Wines to find your nearest stockist – 0800 HUNTER or wine@hunters.co.nz.
