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Following an extensive judging on 21-22 June, the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) has revealed its 2023 Alternative Drinks medal results. More than 900 entries from over 30 countries were judged by 60 international experts – including sommeliers, buyers, bartenders and communicators – and a total of 665 medals were awarded. This year two new categories were introduced to the Alternative Drinks judging – low/no wine and low/no spirits.The low/no wines earned a total of 172 medals with Giesen’s 0% Pinot Gris NV and 0% Merlot NV scoring 96 points and earning gold medals. Giesen’s 0% Pinot Gris NV...

As the dust settles on another incredible vintage, it's time to reflect on the harvest of 2023. Harvest is early mornings and late nights, sore feet, and tired bodies. But it's also the reward of the past year's efforts in our vineyard, many stunning sunrises, and friendships that will last a lifetime.⁠ We always say that every harvest tells a story, and this year's story was one of success, calm, innovation, and collaboration.

In 2023, Spy Valley celebrates an incredible milestone - 30 years since the Johnson family first planted their vines in the Waihopai Valley and 20 years since they built the winery. But that's not all - this year also marks the 50-year anniversary of Marlborough's wine industry. What a time to be alive!

Widely respected winemaker, Wendy Stuckey has spent years honing her craft and refining her gifted palate around the globe, and today can be found championing the Spy Valley Wines style deep in the Waihopa Valley as their Chief Winemaker. M2woman sat down with Wendy to get an insight into the temperature of the industry, from her experiences working in a traditionally male-dominated field to her hopes for the future and the importance of crafting wines that showcase a deep and purposeful sense of place.