Waiheke Island winemaker best in New Zealand

A former New Zealand Young Winemaker of the Year has taken out the title of New Zealand Winemaker of the Year. A panel of four international wine judges picked Patrick Newton of Mudbrick Vineyard as the inaugural winner on 15 October. The competition replaces the New Zealand Young Winemaker of the Year as part of the New Zealand Aromatic Wine Competition, administered by the Canterbury A&P Show. The Waiheke Island winemaker was thrilled with the award.