A Marlborough sparkling wine has claimed top honours at one of the world's leading sparkling wine competitions.
No.1 Family Estate's NV No.1 Cuvée Magnum has become the first New Zealand winery to win the World Champion Brut NV and Best New Zealand Sparkling Wine at the 2026 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC).
The award is the latest international recognition for the family-owned Marlborough producer, founded by former Champagne winemaker Daniel Le Brun.
Daniel moved to Blenheim from France in 1980 after identifying Marlborough as a region capable of producing high-quality traditional-method sparkling wine.
While much of New Zealand's wine industry later focused on still wines, particularly sauvignon blanc, he continued to concentrate on sparkling wine production.
The first wines under the No.1 Family Estate label were released in 1999.
Daniel said the award was significant because the wines were judged alongside entries from established sparkling wine regions around the world. The category is usually dominated by the Champagne region.
"Over four decades we have received many accolades in local and international wine shows, but this latest award represents for us the ultimate proof that I was absolutely spot on with my decision."
Wine Marlborough general manager Marcus Pickens told One News that Daniel was a trailblazer for New Zealand sparkling wine.
"The vision that he's shown and the dedication to stick to that, solely, I think is really special. There's not many people that have that single vision and then just pursue it for their whole career."
Winemaker Lee Dobson said the winning magnum had spent six-and-a-half years ageing on lees before disgorgement.
"The magnum is a wonderful format for traditional-method sparkling wine," he said.
"Its larger size offers a different ageing environment, helping preserve freshness while allowing the wine to develop greater depth and complexity."
This year's CSWWC attracted 1,000 sparkling wines from 18 countries and was judged over 11 days in Kent, England. Organisers awarded 156 gold medals and 237 silver medals.
In addition to the championship title, No.1 Family Estate received three gold medals across its range at the competition.
The result places the Marlborough winery among the top-performing producers at this year's awards and adds to New Zealand's international acclaim for world-leading wine makers.
