The Marlborough producer is having a sensational Awards season, and is today celebrating a double victory at the 2026 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC). In what is an outstanding international achievement, the NV No.1 Cuvée Magnum was named both ‘World Champion Brut NV’ and ‘National Champion – Best New Zealand Sparkling Wine’.
The awards represent significant recognition for the Marlborough family-owned producer and founder Daniel Le Brun, whose vision to establish Marlborough as a world-class region for traditional-method sparkling wine began more than four decades ago.
Before moving his young family from Champagne to Blenheim in 1980, Le Brun had carefully researched the South Island’s soil profiles and climate records, convinced Marlborough offered the ideal conditions to produce sparkling wines with the finesse and style of Champagne.
While much of New Zealand’s wine industry turned its attention to other varieties and styles, Le Brun remained committed to traditional-method sparkling wine. His first wines under the No.1 Family Estate label were produced in 1999, bringing together his Champagne heritage and Marlborough’s distinctive growing conditions.
“Over four decades we have received many accolades in local and international wine shows, but this latest award represents for us the ultimate proof that I was absolutely spot on with my decision,” says Le Brun.
“Being judged by a group of international experts and compared to the best sparkling wines in the world is immensely rewarding for our small family company. The result of a team effort to reach the highest standard of craftsmanship, totally dedicated to producing one single style of wine.”
The art of patience
Winemaker Lee Dobson says the award-winning Magnum demonstrates the rewards of patience, precision and extended maturation.
“The Magnum is a wonderful format for traditional-method sparkling wine. Its larger size offers a different ageing environment, helping preserve freshness while allowing the wine to develop greater depth and complexity.
“After six and a half years on lees, the wine has developed richness, structure and yeast-derived complexity. Disgorged with zero dosage, it allows the natural fruit, freshness and structure to shine through. It is a great example of what patience and careful winemaking can achieve.”
The 2026 CSWWC attracted 1,000 sparkling wines from 18 countries, judged over 11 days at Goodnestone Park in Kent, England. A total of 156 Gold and 237 Silver medals were awarded. No.1 Family Estate also achieved three Gold medals across its wines at this year’s competition.
For Daniel Le Brun and the team, the double title is a proud milestone and a powerful endorsement of their long-standing commitment to producing world-class traditional-method sparkling wine in Marlborough.
Born from Champagne heritage. Made in Marlborough. Recognised by the world.
For further information/background on the awards see here > https://www.champagnesparklingwwc.co.uk/results-2026/ and the latest WineFolio reviews of the wine is here > https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=13584.
