Bell Hill Crowned The Real Review Winery of the Year New Zealand 2026
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 most recent bottle in question was my last bottle of 2011 Bell Hill Pinot Noir. When I handed it over the host said "wow, Bell Hill" or something like that. I mistakenly assumed he would open it.
By the time the cheese board arrived it was clear that Bell Hill was not on the menu. I don't blame the host. It was a terrific dinner with excellent wines that had been carefully matched with each course.
When I received the invitation, I should have asked if I could bring a particular wine style that would fit the menu, or instead, bring a bottle for his cellar. If I were the host, I'd write the name of the donor on the bottle and promise to open it when we next met.
(The name of the wine has been changed to protect the identity of the host.)
