At the prestigious Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2005 presentation in Auckland, the Villa Maria Group of Wineries received a hat trick of champion awards. More than 750 guests experienced first-hand the trophy wines at a glittering presentation ceremony accompanied by a stunning dinner designed by top Air New Zealand executive chefs.

Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2004 won the Champion Pinot Noir award, Villa Maria Reserve Hawkes Bay Merlot 2002 won the Champion Merlot Trophy and Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay 2003 won the Champion Chardonnay Trophy.

This is the third time in three years that Villa Maria Chardonnays and Merlots have won champion trophies, while Villa Maria Reserve Pinot Noir was awarded the Champion Trophy for the third time in four years.

In addition to the trophies, Villa Maria also scooped a record number of gold medals during the New Zealand winegrowers' selection. A panel of New Zealanders and international judges awarded almost 24 per cent of the 97 gold medals to the Villa Maria Group of Wineries. There were 1,550 New Zealand wines judged by a panel of 21 experts with 97 wines winning gold medals, 220 winning silver and 548 winning bronze.

Villa Maria Estate, one of New Zealand's most awarded wines, which are imported in Malta by Wands Limited, was the most rewarded during the show with 14 gold medals. Founded in 1961, the winery of Villa Maria Estate has grown to be the most successful privately-owned producer in New Zealand, obtaining extraordinary results in competitions all over the world.

Other winners within the Villa Maria Group of Wineries include Vidal Wines - four golds, Esk Valley Estate - three golds, and Northrow - two golds.

The Villa Maria Estate range, which includes Private Bin and Reserve wines, is currently available at Wands Cash and Carry in Marsa.