10-12 October 2025
New Zealand’s top home brewers and winemakers have been crowned at the 2025 National Competition, where nearly 400 entries competed for medals, major prizes, and even a chance to go commercial. The NZ Amateur Winemakers and Brewers Federation National Competition was held in Huapai, Northwest Auckland, from the 10th to 12th October 2025.
The event was hosted by the River Valley Amateur Winemakers and Brewers Guild and Judges sniffed and tasted their way through almost 400 entries across all categories of Beer, Wine, Spirits and Liqueurs awarding 98 Bronze, 80 Silver and 30 Gold Medals.
Best Beer of the Show
Won by craft beer enthusiast Jim Batten of the Hawke’s Bay Club. Jim’s winning Double IPA will be brewed commercially and sold in The Beer Spot locations throughout Auckland.
Best Wine of the Show
Made by Brian Henderson of the Hawke’s Bay Club. Brian’s winning wine was a Cabernet Sauvignon & 5% Cabernet Franc. Brian took away a Bar Mates wine fridge for his efforts.
Novice Brewer
The Federation is big on improving and growing the home brewing fraternity, as well as fostering its new members. This year we had a new award for the Novice Brewer. Bevi generously put up a ‘Grainfather’ – all grain brewing kit, complete with heat exchanger. This was won by new homebrewer Michael Macdonald of the Hawke’s Bay Club.
The Federation President Paul Byford said “We were thrilled with the turnout and to have the support of our sponsors The Beer Spot and Bevi plus a host of other sponsors who put up an array of prizes, including 100kg of hops by Clayton Hops! We take this opportunity to thank all of our generous sponsors.” Paul continued, “Home brewing is booming in New Zealand. Events like this showcase the incredible talent and passion in our community.”
Senior wine judge, Maurice Gray said “The wines were of a high standard and there appeared to be less winemaking faults detected by the judges. I awarded Bronze, Silver, and the occasional Gold medal and the Best of Class wines deserved their place on the top table.”
Join your local club and start Home Brewing or Winemaking! Visit https://fawab.nz to find your local club and learn more. Homebrewing and winemaking is a growing hobby and our clubs always welcome new members.
The River Valley Club would like to thank all homebrewer and winemaker entrants, clubs, judges, stewards and helpers that turned up on the day and over the course of the weekend. It made this a great event and we are proud to showcase our little piece of paradise, nestled away in the Northwest of Auckland.
Paul added “We look forward to seeing you all in a couple of years’ time at the Next Nationals to be held in Nelson in 2027, so get practicing now”.
#HomeBrewingNZ #NZBeer #WinemakingNZ #WineShow
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