New Zealand wines took away a record 11 gold medals from this year’s International Wine and Spirit Competition, held in the United Kingdom.

This was up from seven golds won last year, and added to this year's haul of 123 silver medals and 111 bronze medals.

Kiwi vintages again took the sauvignon blanc and pinot noir trophies, for the eighth and third times respectively.

The Remarkable Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir Central Otago 2006 was awarded the Bouchard Finlayson Pinot Noir Trophy, while the Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2008 claimed the Sauvignon Blanc Trophy.

But New Zealand Winegrowers global marketing director Chris Yorke says the awards also show local wines are being recognised for their increasing diversity.

Two aromatic varietals – one gewürztraminer and one riesling – won gold medals.

The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969. It judges Southern Hemisphere wines each September to allow local producers to enter their most up-to-date vintages.

New Zealand's gold tally placed it fourth overall, behind Australia (34 golds) and South Africa and France (19 gold medals each).

This year, gold medals were awarded to the following New Zealand wines:

· Remarkable Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir Central Otago 2006
· Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2008
· Drumsara Ventifacts Block Pinot Noir Central Otago 2007
· Koura Bay Blue Duck Awatere Valley Pinot Noir Marlborough 2005
· Villa Maria Reserve Pinot Noir Marlborough 2007
· Mount Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir Central Otago 2007
· Tohu Rore Pinot Noir Marlborough 2006
· Waipara Hills Southern Cross Selection Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2007
· Saint Clair Pioneer Block 6 Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2008
· Saint Clair Pioneer Block 12 Gewürztraminer Marlborough 2007
· Spy Valley Riesling Marlborough 2007