Today feels like a particularly meaningful Waitangi Day for us at Blank Canvas. Although we’ve been holding onto this news for a few weeks now, it has finally been announced publicly this morning: Matt has been named Best Winemaker at the inaugural New Zealand Wines of the Year 2026.
This initiative from Masters of Wine and UK wine personalities Peter Richards and Susie Barrie, is supported by national body New Zealand Winegrowers, and drew submissions from hundreds of New Zealand wines. The acknowledgment reflects not just one wine or one vintage, but more than three decades of Matt’s many vintages and experience, both within Blank Canvas and across the wider New Zealand wine landscape. His influence has shaped countless wines, vineyards, and people over the years, and this is a special acknowledgment of that.
Alongside the winemaker award, Blank Canvas delivered a standout performance in the results. All four wines we submitted were selected in the New Zealand Wines of the Year list:
- Reed Vineyard Chardonnay 2024 – 97 points
- Abstract Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc 2023 – 95 points
- Upton Downs Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 – 95 points
- Tano Chardonnay 2023 – 93 points
These wines represent the heart of what we do: small‑batch, site‑driven expressions crafted with precision, curiosity, and a deep respect for place. To see them recognised collectively feels like a celebration of the vineyards, growers, and team who make this work possible.
The NZWOTY programme itself is an exciting new chapter for New Zealand wine. Peter and Susie’s influence in the UK and global wine spheres is immense with their Wine Blast podcast sitting within the top 1% worldwide (over 1 million downloads), and their Wines of the Year tastings are fast becoming essential reference points for both trade and consumers. Their full report and dedicated podcast episode are being released today, with a free‑to‑access podcast available from Monday.
We’re incredibly proud of Matt, of our wider team, and of the vineyards that continue to inspire us. And we’re grateful to everyone who supports Blank Canvas, shares our wines, and believes in the value of thoughtful, terroir‑driven winemaking. Moments like this remind us why we do what we do.
Here’s to the year ahead, and to the many stories still to be written. 🥂
