Spy Valley's rise continued today with the announcement that its sauvignon blanc will be served on Air New Zealand long-haul services.

Air New Zealand is taking the very best of New Zealand's wine to the world by beginning to pour Spy Valley wine, the best of Marlborough sauvignon blanc, on its premium economy and business class flights.

Air New Zealand's decision to select their wine of choice comes on the back of Spy Valley winning a string of awards in London, Tokyo and San Francisco.

The result is a substantial reward for Spy Valley which further reinforces their decision on investing in a major new award-winning winery complex a few years ago. Spy Valley received accolades two years ago for its special 2007 sauvignon blanc vintage for its eye-catching label: Spy Valley 007. The wine being served on Air NZ is the 2008 vintage.

The company got its name from a US satellite monitoring base further up the road in the Waihopai Valley. Spy Valley produces more than 150,000 cases of wine a year and is one of New Zealand's leading family-owned wine companies.

The label has caught on in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and in many other countries which are destination countries for Air New Zealand.

Spy Valley general manager Blair Gibbs said he was thrilled they had been selected to serve their wine on the national carrier. ``We really support Air New Zealand in its commitment to showcasing the very best of New Zealand wines to the world, particularly as we are able to continue that commitment at the various destinations."