Wanaka wine wins Sustainability Trophy in London

Celebrating an international win in London last week is Wanaka-based Akitu Wines founder Andrew Donaldson (left) as an award is presented to him by International Wine Challenge master of wines and judges co-chair Tim Atkin.

Akitu came away with the 2018 Sustainability Trophy for the second time in three years.

To be up for the trophy, the wine had to be certified as sustainable and awarded a trophy or medal in the wider competition.

Akitu's A1 Black Label 2016 won the sustainability trophy and four other trophies - New Zealand red, New Zealand Pinot Noir, Central Otago Pinot Noir and Wanaka Pinot Noir.

Akitu also won gold medals for both A1 Black Label 2016 and A2 White Label 2016.

Mr Donaldson said the win was a credit to his team.

``We are making wine in the southernmost winemaking region on Earth so I'm pinching myself that the world's most influential wine judges think it's good.''