Gold for Blackenbrook Sauvignon Blanc marks an exciting new chapter
MEDIA RELEASE
Blackenbrook Vineyard is celebrating a Gold Medal for its Sauvignon Blanc 2026 at the New Zealand International Wine Show — a particularly significant result for the Tasman winery as it marks the very first wine made by winemaker Trudy Sheild and Ursula Schwarzenbach.
The New Zealand International Wine Show is New Zealand’s largest wine competition, attracting wines from across New Zealand and internationally.
For Blackenbrook, the Gold Medal is more than an award. It represents the beginning of a new chapter for a winery that has been part of the Nelson wine scene since 1999.
“We’re absolutely thrilled,” says Ursula Schwarzenbach. “This is the first wine Trudy and I have made together, so to receive a Gold Medal is absolutely fantastic. We’re incredibly proud of this wine.”
A new chapter at Blackenbrook
After more than 25 years of being involved with Blackenbrook, Ursula is now taking the business forward with a renewed focus and a new winemaking partnership with Trudy Sheild.
“Even though I’ve been involved with Blackenbrook since 1999, in many ways it feels like starting a completely new business,” says Ursula.
“There has been a very steep learning curve, and the wine industry is certainly facing challenging times. But I’m determined to stay positive and focus on what we can create from here. There’s a real sense of excitement around Blackenbrook again.”
For Ursula, working alongside Trudy has been one of the highlights of the new chapter.
“Trudy and I have a great dynamic. We’re both hands-on, we like getting things done, and we love tasting and discussing interesting wines together. There’s a good energy between us, and we’re having a lot of fun.”
A Gold for Nelson
The result is also a proud moment for Nelson, one of New Zealand’s smallest wine regions.
The 2026 NZIWS results include four Gold Medal wines from Nelson: Blackenbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2026, Seifried Sauvignon Blanc 2026, Sea Level Home Block Chenin Blanc 2024 and SHEiLD Albariño 2025.
Sauvignon Blanc is strongly associated with Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine region, making recognition for the two Nelson Sauvignon Blancs particularly satisfying.
“We’re incredibly proud to see two Nelson Sauvignon Blancs doing so well,” says Ursula. “Marlborough makes fantastic Sauvignon Blanc, but Nelson has its own personality, and we love showing what our little corner of the country can do.”
Two women, one shared focus on making great wines
The new Blackenbrook team is a two-woman operation, with Ursula and Trudy working closely together across the vineyard, winery and bottling operation.
“We bring different strengths, but we have a similar attitude — if something needs doing, we get on with it. And if there’s a better or different way of doing things, we’re happy to give it a go.”
The Gold is a particularly special result for Trudy, whose own SHEiLD Albariño 2025 was awarded Gold at the same 2026 New Zealand International Wine Show.
“Having Trudy’s Albariño receive a Gold as well makes it an even more special result,” says Ursula. “It’s a lovely recognition of the highly aromatic wines she makes.”
A Sauvignon Blanc for a new beginning
The Blackenbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2026 is a fitting wine to mark the start of this new era.
Fresh, vibrant and expressive of its Nelson home, the wine reflects the character of the vineyard and the hands-on approach that Ursula and Trudy are bringing to Blackenbrook.
“We’re only at the beginning,” says Ursula. “There’s lots we want to do, lots we want to learn and plenty of challenges ahead. But we’re excited. This Gold Medal feels like a wonderful confirmation that we’re heading in the right direction.”
