More than 1,280 wines from around Aotearoa and the world will be put to the taste test in Hawke’s Bay this week at the 22nd annual New World Wine Awards.

This year is the first time the region has hosted the New World Wine Awards, which will involve 20 pallet loads of wine, glasses and equipment, along with a team of nearly 70, including 26 judges.

“While some may feel envious of the task ahead us, tasting some of the best wines around, the next few days will involve a lot of logistics and hard work,” says chair of judges and winemaker, Jen Parr.

“Many of the judges are also winemakers, so we understand the effort and passion that goes into every bottle.

This competition uses the 100 point judging system to score wines on technical excellence. The competition also focuses on price to come up with its New World Wine Awards Top 50 under $25.

“The New World Wine Awards stand out for their unique focus on under $25 wines, with the aim of helping their customers discover amazing yet affordable wines,” says Parr.

The Top 50 winning wines will gain national promotional support and distribution through New World stores and will be announced in October.