Hawke’s Bay scooped more Trophies than any other New Zealand region in the 2008 NZ International Wine Show.  Church Road Winery holds the Champion Wine of Show Trophy and Champion Chardonnay Trophy for the Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2006. 

Other trophies awarded went to Morton Estate for the Champion Viognier for the Morton Estate Private Reserve Hawke’s Bay Viognier 2007, Kemblefield Estate Winery for the Champion Gewürztraminer for 'The Distinction' Gewürztraminer 2007 and Clearview Estate Winery for the Champion Merlot Predominant Wine for the 'Enigma' 2006.

Of 2273 entries for the 2008 show these are strong results. Hawke’s Bay was awarded 11 of the 19 Gold Medals given to NZ Chardonnay wines, again more than any other single region including international entries.

Askerne Vineyard was also awarded a Gold Medal with their Hawke’s Bay 2007 Gewürztraminer and Gold Medals were awarded to the Esk Valley Black Label Chenin Blanc 2008 and the Trinity Hill Arneis 2008 in the Other White Wine class. 

Five New Zealand wines were awarded Gold Medals in the Merlot and Merlot Predominant Blend class and they were all from Hawke’s Bay. They were the Church Rd Cuve Series Merlot 2005 and the Reserve Merlot Cabernet 2006, the Clearview 'Enigma' 2006, the Glazebrook Merlot 2007 and the Sacred Hill Basket Press Merlot Cabernet 2007.

Only one New Zealand wine was awarded a Gold Medal in the Shiraz/Syrah category and again this went to Hawke’s Bay with the Sacred Hill 'Wine Thief Series' Syrah 2006.

The NZ International Wine Show is the largest wine competition held in New Zealand. Wines from any country and made from any variety can be entered and judges must have the experience to match the enormous range of wines submitted.