Whitehaven Senior Winemaker Diana Katardzhieva has been named “Best Woman Winemaker” for still white wines at the 2025 Sakura Women’s Wine Awards.
Both the 2024 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc and 2023 Chardonnay were also awarded the top accolade of Diamond Trophy.
Now in its 12th year, the event attracted 3,969 entries from 36 countries and was judged by 430 female wine judges (280 in Tokyo and 150 in Osaka).
Katardzhieva is one of nine female winemakers to receive the award, and one of only two New Zealand female winemakers to make the list.
Diana, who has been at Whitehaven for over 20 years, says the recognition is “proof that years of tasting, tweaking, and the occasional barrel pep talk can pay off.”
She goes on to credit women in general and her wider team, saying “[the award is a] wonderful reminder of the amazing things women are accomplishing in the wine industry.
“Great wine is a team effort, and I see the award as recognition not only of myself, but of the fruit quality from our vineyards and growers, and the effort of the Whitehaven team.
“The fact this wine is judged by a talented group of women, makes this even more special… Especially since we all know women are usually the ones choosing the wine anyway!”