"It's so good for Martinborough.
"Usually, it's the places like Central Otago and Marlborough that get all the attention, but this has put Martinborough in the spotlight.
"It proves the pioneer growers of the 1980s right when they said Martinborough could be one of the best pinot producing regions in the world."
The Best In Show accolade is the latest in a string of titles for Julicher - including gold medals at the London International Wine Challenge, the Decanter World Wine Awards, and the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition.
However, the Sommelier Awards - judged by top wine sellers, is one of the most esteemed wine competitions in the UK.
"The sommeliers are the experts - the ones who have the power to sell and market your wine," said Mr Julicher.
"So, you want them to believe in your product.
"We were happy to receive the gold medal at the Decanter Awards last year. But this is tremendous."
Victory tastes particularly sweet for the couple, considering Julicher's shaky start to life.
Mr Julicher and his late wife bought the 50 acres of land in 1996, aiming to grow olive trees and producing top-quality oil.
However, over half of their trees were wiped out during a severe winter frost.
"We'd planted a few grapes - but after the olives trees died, we thought we'd better start making wine instead," said Mr Julicher.
Ms Darling joined the Julicher team as marketing manager in 2002 - but confesses she "barely knew champagne from chardonnay" at first.
But the couple persevered - and eventually won the Champion Pinot Noir award at the 2007 New Zealand International Wine Show.
"Two years later, we won another trophy at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards," said Ms Darling.
"People went, 'my God, these people are doing well'."
The couple put their success down to their "exceptional" wine-maker Outi Jakovirta and Mr Julicher's hands-on approach and attention to detail.
"Wim treats every vine, every row, and every bunch of grapes with the same love and care," said Ms Darling.
"It's hard work, but that's what produces trophy-winning wine."
Sadly, the couple were unable to travel to London for their latest award - in fact, Ms Darling received the news from a relaxed Mr Julicher via cellphone.
"Wim rings me while I'm in Wellington, and he casually says, 'By the way, I got an email from our UK importer and we've just won this big trophy.
"I was like, 'Why didn't you tell me straight away?'
"He's very laid back about these things. But we're both thrilled - it's pretty amazing."
