Waitaki earns first awards

More than a decade ago Central Otago was celebrating its first medal-winning wines as the fledgling wine region started on its path to international recognition.

Now it's the turn of the Waitaki, with the region's first gold medal awarded to Pasquale Waitaki Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, made by Kurow-born Grant Taylor, of Valli Wines in Central Otago.

Pasquale Hakataramea Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 received a silver, and the winery also reaped a couple of bronzes for its 2009 Kurow Village wines in the 2010 Royal Easter Show.

The region was much hyped a decade or so ago when vineyard land was being sold, although wine didn't begin to trickle from the area until about four or five years ago.

Outlets opening in the valley mean the wines' profile is building.

• The list of medal winners at the 2010 Easter show is available on www.wineshow.co.nz.

The trophy winners will be announced on March 20.