Sustainable Vineyard of the Year, Sparkling Trophy and 5 Gold Medals 2026

Quartz Reef marks a defining run of recognition across vineyard, winery and glass

Quartz Reef Wines is proud to share a remarkable period of recognition for the estate, with founder and winemaker Rudi Bauer named The Real Review Vigneron of the Year New Zealand 2026, Quartz Reef placed among The Real Review’s Top 5 Wineries of New Zealand 2026, and further honours at the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Organic Wine Awards announced, including Sustainable Vineyard of the Year and Champion Sparkling for Quartz Reef Méthode Traditionnelle Vintage Blanc de Blancs 2019. 

For Quartz Reef, the moment feels significant not simply because of the awards themselves, but because of what they recognise collectively: long-term conviction, careful farming, consistency of quality, and a deep belief in Bendigo and Central Otago.

Founded in 1996, Quartz Reef is based at Bendigo in Central Otago and has built its reputation on wines of place, precision and authenticity. Quartz Reef’s estate is fully certified Demeter biodynamic and BioGro organic, a farming philosophy that The Real Review’s winery profile describes as central to the estate’s identity, alongside Rudi Bauer’s pioneering role in Bendigo and the winery’s longstanding strength in both Pinot Noir and Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wine.

At the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand Organic Wine Awards, Quartz Reef Wines was named Sustainable Vineyard of the Year, while Quartz Reef Méthode Traditionnelle Vintage Blanc de Blancs 2019 was awarded Champion Sparkling.

5 Gold medals were also awarded for:

Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2023

Quartz Reef Méthode Traditionnelle Brut NV

Quartz Reef Méthode Traditionnelle Rosé NV

Quartz Reef Méthode Traditionnelle Vintage Blanc de Blancs 2019

Quartz Reef Pinot Gris 2024

For the Quartz Reef team, the combined recognition is a powerful endorsement of an approach that begins in the vineyard and carries right through to the glass. It reflects the belief that stewardship of the land, attention to detail, and patience over time are the foundation of quality.

This latest recognition also reinforces Quartz Reef’s standing as one of Central Otago’s benchmark producers, with national acknowledgement spanning leadership, estate quality, sustainable vineyard practice, and wine performance. 

https://organicwineawards.co.nz/2026-results/