Let the Bubbles Fly: Anticipation Builds for Méthode Marlborough Day 2025
Let the Bubbles Fly: Anticipation Builds for Méthode Marlborough Day 2025PRESS RELEASE: Méthode Marlborough
As the world rushes ahead at full speed, Méthode Marlborough stands proudly as a celebration of patience, precision, and artistry. Crafting exceptional Méthode Traditionnelle wines demands meticulous attention to detail, years of dedication, and an unwavering commitment to quality. As Méthode Marlborough Day 2025 approaches, the region’s winemakers have plenty to celebrate.
The 2025 vintage is shaping up to be nothing short of spectacular. Marlborough was blessed with excellent flowering and fruit set, leading to strong yields in the vineyards. This, combined with a relatively cool ripening period, has provided the ideal conditions for crafting world-class sparkling wines.
“Our grapes had the luxury of time to develop beautifully complex flavours while maintaining the fresh, vibrant acidity that is the hallmark of Méthode Marlborough,” says Andrew Parley, Chair of Méthode Marlborough. “It’s a vintage that promises elegance, purity, and incredible ageing potential.”
By early March, most Méthode Marlborough producers had wrapped up their harvest, with the 2025 base wines now completing their first fermentation—a significant milestone in a process that will take at least two years, if not longer, before these wines reach the hands of eager enthusiasts. While overall wine sales in New Zealand have softened over the past year, one thing is clear: bubbles are on the rise.
As the Méthode Marlborough family continues to evolve, this year marks both a farewell and a welcome. Johanneshof, a founding member of Méthode Marlborough, has made the difficult decision to step away from the group. Owners Edel Everling and Warwick Foley have long been champions of meticulously handcrafted sparkling wines, and while their departure is bittersweet, they remain steadfast supporters and friends of the region’s Méthode movement.
Welcoming Isabel Estate to Méthode Marlborough
At the same time, Méthode Marlborough is delighted to welcome Isabel Estate to the fold. With their Isabel Estate Brut NV and Hawkesbridge Vintage Méthode Traditionnelle, crafted by award-winning winemaker Jeremy McKenzie, they bring fresh energy and passion to the group.
“We are incredibly excited to have Isabel Estate join us,” says Andrew. “It’s inspiring to see more wineries commit to the intricate yet rewarding craft of Méthode Traditionnelle.”
Jeremy McKenzie, Chief Winemaker at Isabel Estate, shares his enthusiasm: "Joining Méthode Marlborough is an exciting step for us. The organisation is a great advocate for traditional method sparkling wines, and we are thrilled to be part of a community that values craftsmanship, precision, and the time-honoured techniques that make these wines so special."
As anticipation builds for Méthode Marlborough Day 2025, the region’s winemakers invite enthusiasts to raise a glass to the future—one that promises exceptional bubbles, continued innovation, and a deep respect for the time-honoured traditions that make these wines truly special. This year, we celebrate with the call to 'Let the Bubbles Fly'—a fitting tribute to the artistry and joy behind every bottle.
New Leadership for Méthode Marlborough
Méthode Marlborough is also pleased to announce Booster Wine Group winemaker Andrew Parley as its new Chair, following the dedicated leadership of Melinda Skinner from Esses Estate, who stepped down in October 2024.
Andrew brings extensive winemaking experience, with a career spanning both New Zealand and international wine regions. He began his journey in Marlborough as an Assistant Winemaker at Hunter’s in 2001, where he gained early exposure to Méthode Traditionnelle winemaking through the production of Miru Miru. In 2007, he moved to the UK and became a winemaker at Chapel Down, playing a key role in the rapid expansion of the country’s sparkling wine industry. Returning to Marlborough in 2014 with his family, he joined Awatere River Wine and, in 2015, tiraged the first LV Méthode wine. When this wine was disgorged for release in 2018, the winery became a member of Méthode Marlborough.
Now, as Chair, Andrew is focused on strengthening the value of the Méthode Marlborough brand. His vision includes elevating the stories behind the region’s sparkling wines—highlighting the unique places they come from, the dedicated people crafting them, and the traditional winemaking process that upholds quality and authenticity.
"I’m excited to step into this role and help showcase what makes Méthode Marlborough so special," says Andrew. "Our wines are crafted with patience, skill, and tradition, and I look forward to sharing the stories behind them while continuing to uphold the quality and authenticity that define our region’s sparkling wines."