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.
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Whites the stand-out for Saint Clair at 2024 Marlborough Wine Show
Saint Clair Whites were a stand out at the 2024 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect, where they picked up trophies for both Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Their Omaka Reserve Chardonnay 2023 was crowned Bragato Research Institute Champion Chardonnay, Current Vintage, while their Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2023 picked up the WineWorks Champion Sauvignon Blanc 2023 & Older trophy.
Following the celebration long-lunch, Senior Winemaker Stewart Maclennan shared a little about the wines and how they strive to achieve excellence in every bottle…
Chardonnay Marlborough’s best hidden secret
Jeremy McKenzie saw the potential in Marlborough Chardonnay many years ago, and has been working on perfecting the variety ever since.
He and his team at Isabel Estate picked up two trophies for Chardonnay at the 2023 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect. In this ‘Q&A’, he shares some insight into the winner of the Bragato Research Institute Champion Chardonnay, 2020 & Older trophy, the Isabel Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2020.
He also delves into the key characteristics of the Marlborough sites capable of producing world-class Chardonnay…
Zephyr picks up Champion Organic Wine trophy with their first certified organic Chardonnay
Zephyr Wines has been awarded the Vit Management Ltd Champion Organic Wine trophy at the 2023 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect.
Winemaker Ben Glover says the winning wine, Zephyr Chardonnay 2020, was produced following the family business’ first official certified organic vintage, making the award extra special.
The Glover family has been growing grapes in Marlborough for nearly four decades, transitioning to organic farming in 2017. He shared with us why this was an important move for Zephyr, and a little about the work involved…
Careful work during tricky vintage results in Champion Chardonnay trophy
Alongside taking the QuayConnect Champion Wine of the Show at the 2023 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect, Isabel Estate had big success with Chardonnay, picking up two trophies with the variety.
Taking home the Bragato Research Institute Champion Chardonnay, current vintage trophy was the Isabel Estate Marlborough Wild Barrique Chardonnay 2022.
Chief winemaker Jeremy ‘Macca’ McKenzie shares the story of the wine, the icon variety of the Estate…
Respect the Secret Ingredient in Champion Organic Wine
A commitment to respect in the vineyard is paying off for viticulture and winemaking teams at Giesen Wines.
The company picked up three trophies for two wines made in the organic Clayvin Vineyard at the 2022 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect.
Winning Chardonnay a Synergy of Flavours Thanks to Careful Handling from Vine to Bottle
Minimal intervention was at the forefront when Rapaura Springs Winemaker Mike Bann set about to make the trophy-winning Single Vineyard Bouldevines Vineyard Chardonnay 2020.
The wine was awarded the MRC Champion Chardonnay, Current Vintage, at the 2022 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect.
Giesen Chardonnay Shines at Marlborough Wine Show
A drive to produce fantastic Marlborough Chardonnay has been recognised at the 2022 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect.
Giesen Wines received two trophies for their Single Vineyard Clayvin Chardonnay 2018: the MRC Champion Chardonnay, 2019 and Older, as well as the Vit Management Ltd Best Organic Wine of the Show.
Creating a Legacy
Consistent recognition is proving both a blessing and a challenge for the makers of this year’s Champion Chardonnay, previous vintage, at the Marlborough Wine Show.
Officially known as the MRC Champion Chardonnay, 2019 & Older, the title was awarded to the Mount Riley 17 Valley Chardonnay 2019, the latest of many awards for this wine.
Mount Riley Wines Chief Winemaker Matt Murphy says it's a privilege to be able to continue the legacy of such an outstanding wine.
Isabel Estate Nabs Yet Another Chardonnay Trophy at the 2021 MWS
Isabel Estate has once again cemented its reputation as a premium producer of Chardonnay, after winning the MRC Champion Chardonnay - current vintage trophy at the 2021 Marlborough Wine Show.
The trophy was awarded to the Isabel Estate Marlborough Wild Barrique Chardonnay 2020, which is in its fifth vintage.