The Profile: Into the lime life at Bell Hill
Tucked away in the chalky hills of Weka Pass, Bell Hill is much more than a vineyard; it's an ongoing conversation between people, soil, and commitment.
North Canterbury’s Bell Hill has been named The Real Review Winery of the Year New Zealand 2026, with Felton Road, Prophets Rock, Bilancia and Quartz Reef in the top five.
“The Real Review Top Wineries of New Zealand celebrates the standout wine producers across the motu,” says Stephen Wong MW, who worked with Jane Skilton MW to make the selection.
“This year’s selection continues to evolve, spanning both long-established favourites and exciting new entrants. The release of the stellar 2024 vintage across most regions heralds an exciting time for great quality in Aotearoa.”
Bell Hill, which jumped from number 12 in 2025, “has firmly established itself at the forefront of New Zealand winemaking,” says Jane.
“Drawing on North Canterbury’s exceptional limestone soils, their wines show remarkable depth, structure and finesse. The consistency and calibre across the range this year made them a clear standout.”
A Wine Marlborough Lifetime Achievement Award is “very premature”, say Kevin and Kimberley Judd, nearly 43 years after they came…
From the heights of tramping tracks to the depths of picnic baskets, a Banks Peninsular winemaker wants his wines to…
From a secluded corner of South Wairarapa, Paul and Amy Mason aim to forge wines that reflect their place.