A sparkling wine has taken out the top honours at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards for only the third time in the history of the awards.
The Nautilus Cuvee Brut NV was awarded the Champion Wine of the Show award at a gala dinner held on Saturday night in Queenstown.
It is made by Nautilus Estate, a small, family-owned winery in Marlborough.
Chair of Judges and Master of Wine Michael Brajkovich says the wine has a richness and complexity to it that makes it a standout.
Mr Brajkovich says Nautilus Estate can expect to see a spike in sales due to the win and in the lead-up to Christmas as well as increased international exposure.
The second highest accolade, the O-I New Zealand Reserve Wine of the Show, went to the Villa Maria Reserve Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2012.