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For the first time ever a Kiwi winemaker is in the running for what has been dubbed the Oscars of the wine world.
Cromwell, Central Otago is as far as you can get from the traditional world of wine in Europe, but one vineyard is impressing them.
Wine guru Oz Clarke checked out Quartz Reed Vineyard and was impressed with what he tasted.
"As the bottle gets lower and it always does, I'm getting more interested and getting more satisfaction from the wine," says Clarke as he tasted one of the wines.
That wine has landed vintner Rudi Bauer a nomination at the prestigious Der Feinschmecker Wine Awards. He is one of only six in the running for International Winemaker of the Year.
"That's a serious award. I know the other people who've been nominated and they're top fellows but Rudi can handle it," says Clarke.
Bauer wine will be at the awards in Germany next month for the wine world's equivalent of the Oscar ceremony.
"The past winners, they have been you know wonderful people, very well respected winemakers so I suspect it means a lot," says Bauer.
Quartz Reef is nudging the higher end of wine prices but Bauer says this recognition will not push the price up further. However, it will spark a lot of interest in the wine and in New Zealand winemakers.
"He'll go and show them his wines and they'll be shocked and excited," says Clarke.
