The Regional Tourism and Events Award for July goes to...

Stoneleigh Vineyard Marlborough Wines

Our judges like the way the site communicates a full picture of its product. From the detailed descriptions of how the region's climate combined with the stony soils (which warm the roots of the vines) produce award winning wines, through to comprensive information regarding international distributors of the product. The quality of images and writings are excellent as would be expected of a site representing a product of this nature. The "stunning wines from stony soils" theme is evident throughout the site (such as the scrollover pebbles which serve as the menu bar). Profiles of the "team members" add a personal touch and, no doubt, visitors will find the cellaring notes and serving suggestions useful. We were pleased to see that feedback about the site site is encouraged but, why not also about the wines, since this is the reason for the site's being? A form based (rather than email) page would work well here and allow the company to prompt for the information it would like to obtain from its market. As it is however, this is an excellent site which works well to promote Stoneleigh Vineyard wines and, the Marlborough region.

© 1999 Discover New Zealand Magazine