Quintin and Avril Quider are heading back to their Wild Earth Wines vineyard in Felton Rd loaded down with silverware after their 2006 vintage Pinot Noir beat 31 other trophy winners to win the coveted Top International Red Wine award.
The wine was also named top international Pinot Noir and picked up three other New Zealand and Central Otago trophies during a competition which attracted almost 10,000 entries from around the world.
In a press statement yesterday, the Quiders said they were "elated" with the awards.
"Central Otago produces so many outstanding wines and this latest trophy simply re-emphasises the incredible potential of wines from our region. The award comes at the perfect moment as we're currently seeking investment capital for expansion," Mr Quider said.
Last year, fellow Bannockburn vineyard Bald Hills won the champion red wine trophy at the same awards.
Wild Earth general manager Dave Nicholas said the Quiders, who were in their 40s, had lived in northern California and came to New Zealand on their honeymoon.
After looking at properties in the wine-growing areas of Marlborough and Martinborough, they had taken a "big punt" and opted instead for Felton Rd in Central Otago, establishing their vineyard in 1998.
They have since added a second vineyard at Lowburn, bringing their operation to 35ha.
They had made about 50,000 bottles of the 2006 pinot noir, which sold out in July this year when it began winning awards.
"We're about to release the 2007 vintage, which we think is possibly even better," Mr Nicholas said.
The multi award-winning wine retails for about $40.
"You could still get some in good supermarkets or liquor outlets but if not, then your favourite restaurant might be able to help," he said.
