Waipara Hills Pulls a Hat Trick at Local Wine Awards

Local winery Waipara Hills has scored three major wins at one of Canterbury's most prestigious wine competitions.

The 2011 Waipara Hills Waipara Valley Riesling was named as a Canapé Class winner at the inaugural Canterbury Wine Awards.

Furthering this success the 2011 Waipara Hills Equinox Waipara Valley Pinot Noir was named a Lamb Class winner, while the Waipara Hills Equinox Late Harvest Riesling was named a Dessert Class winner.

The Canterbury Wine Awards is the first show of its kind in the region and sets out to promote the quality of Canterbury's wines. All wines entered into the Awards are made from grapes grown within the specified Canterbury region.

Unlike other wine shows, there is a tight integration between wine style and the enjoyment of foods that accompany it when it comes to evaluating the potential winners. Organisers choose winners in relation to the seven specific food classes and then an overall winner is awarded from these finalists.

Waipara Hills marketing manager Cathy Wansink says the company is delighted to see their wines recognised at the awards and to have the opportunity to win the Canterbury Wine trophy.

"These awards are testament to the Waipara Hills brand as well as our talented winemaker Simon McGeorge, and it is great to have winners in three of the categories" says Wansink.

"With the success of these three wines we can complete a whole meal - showing the unique nature and perfect accompaniment our wines offer."

The presentation of the awards and the overall winner will be announced at the David Jackson Dinner in Christchurch on May 24th.

For more information visit www.waiparahills.co.nz.