Romeo Bragato Success

Wairarapa winemakers triumphed with two trophies at the 2009 Romeo Bragato Award, the only awards for grapegrowers, with grapes grown in the Wellington region.

Martinborough’s Mark Haythorthwaite won the Champion Dessert Wine Plaque for the Haythornthwaite Wines Gewürztraminer Susan 2009. The Brother Cyprian Trophy and Champion Pinot Gris was awarded to Dave Munro for his Ohau Gravels Pinot Gris 2009. The grapes were grown in the Wellington region, and the wine made by Masterton winemaker Jane Cooper.

Jane Cooper also won a gold medal for the Alexia Pinot Noir 2008.

New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive Philip Gregan said the Bragato Wine Awards are a unique opportunity for the industry to recognise New Zealand’s grapegrowers, who play a critical role in producing New Zealand’s world-renowned wines.