Prophet’s Rock Named Among The Real Review’s Top Wineries of New Zealand 2026

Central Otago estate placed in the top three of New Zealand’s most respected annual wine ranking.

We are proud to share that Prophet’s Rock has been named one of The Real Review’s Top Wineries of New Zealand 2026, placing inside the top three alongside Bell Hill and Felton Road.

Now in its ninth year, The Real Review’s Top Wineries list is judged by Stephen Wong MW and Jane Skilton MW, drawn from nearly 4,000 wines tasted blind over the preceding two years. The ranking is determined by The Real Review’s proprietary algorithm, scoring wineries on the consistency and calibre of their releases. The 2026 result follows tastings across the strong 2023 and stellar 2024 vintages.

“This year’s selection continues to evolve, spanning both long-established favourites and exciting new entrants,” said Stephen Wong MW. “The release of the stellar 2024 vintage across most regions heralds an exciting time for great quality in Aotearoa.”

For Prophet’s Rock, the placement is recognition of twenty-five years spent farming three demanding sites on the glacial terraces of Bendigo: schist at Rocky Point, chalk beneath the Home Vineyard, and river stone and loess at Kopuwai Delta. Winemaker Paul Pujol has guided the estate since 2005, refining a house style built on restraint, longevity, and site expression.

The 2026 list reinforces Central Otago’s standing among the country’s most serious wine regions. Three Central Otago wineries sit inside the top five — Prophet’s Rock at third, Quartz Reef at fifth, with Rudi Bauer of Quartz Reef also named Vigneron of the Year. North Canterbury’s Bell Hill took the top spot, with Felton Road placed second.

We are honoured to sit in such company, and grateful to The Real Review panel for the care they take. Above all, this is recognition of a region that continues to show the world what is possible from a small, exposed corner of the southernmost wine country on earth.

Thank you to Stephen Wong MW, Jane Skilton MW, and the team at The Real Review, and to every person who has poured, cellared, and shared these wines along the way.