Marlborough Wine Stories

Marlborough is unique – not for any one reason but for many. This region is full of colour, complexity and diversity – making this part of New Zealand truly special. Explore our uniquely Marlborough wine stories.

From August 2023 the region’s winemakers and growers are celebrating 50 years of Marlborough’s official beginning as a wine region. Discover the history of our region’s wine brands and explore stories about our people and place that make it special here.

Special focus on Pinot Noir pays off at Marlborough Wine Show

Lawson’s Dry Hills has had their focus on Pinot Noir recognised, winning the De Sangosse NZ Champion Pinot Noir 2020 & Older trophy at the 2023 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect.

Senior Winemaker Marcus Wright says the team has been working hard to improve their Pinot Noir in recent years, and to receive the trophy for The Pioneer Tilly’s Single Vineyard 2020 was particularly rewarding, as it was the first vintage under the new regime.

He shares a little about the wine and what makes it special…

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Ara Pinot Noir crowned 2023 Champion of the Southern Valleys

Encompassing Omaka, Fairhall, Brancott, Ben Morvan and Waihopai Valleys, the Southern Valleys are known for having varied soils and an ability to produce particularly good Pinot Noir and aromatics.

Ara Winemaker Jeremy Tod shared a little about the winning wine and how it felt to have it recognised among some high quality competition…

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Careful farming and hands-off winemaking the key to Isabel Estate Pinot Noir success

Isabel Estate continues to make a stellar impression with Pinot Noir, taking out four awards with their Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 at the 2023 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect.

As well as being crowned the QuayConnect Champion Wine of the Show, it picked up the Coterie Wine of Provenance, Wine Marlborough Ltd Champion Wine from the Wairau Valley subregion, and the De Sangosse NZ current vintage Champion Pinot Noir trophies.

Isabel Estate Chief Winemaker and Marlborough Manager, Jeremy ‘Macca’ McKenzie shared a little insight into what goes into making this champion wine, as well as some thoughts on the success of the Marlborough wine industry as it celebrates its 50 year anniversary…

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