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.

Botrytised Riesling takes Champion Sweet Wine trophy

A wine made only once every few years was this year crowned the Barrel Finance & Logistics Champion Sweet Wine at the Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect.

Wairau River Reserve Botrytised Riesling 2022 picked up the trophy, after a warm, humid growing season resulted in optimal fruit to make the wine.

Winemaker Mary Schneier says to win the trophy with a wine they only have limited opportunities to produce was exciting for the team.

She shared a little about the wine, including what you might like to pair it with this summer…

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Marlborough Wine Show 2023, Riesling, Press Release, Blog Sarah Linklater Marlborough Wine Show 2023, Riesling, Press Release, Blog Sarah Linklater

Winning Riesling crafted to showcase flavours of Stoneleigh Vineyard

Stoneleigh Riesling 2023 has been named the Orora Limited Champion Riesling of the 2023 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect.

Winemaker Tim Mills says the trophy-winning wine is made with care to ensure balance and a showcase of flavours from the vineyard.

He shares some insight into what went into making the wine after a vintage that posed many weather-related challenges…

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Blog Sarah Linklater Blog Sarah Linklater

Marlborough’s Unsung Hero

When it comes to Riesling, the Germans have long been onto a good thing.

The first known written reference to the drop was in 1402, termed then as ‘Rüssling, in the city of Worms, Germany. It’s no wonder, then, that German winemakers are a source of inspiration for one of Marlborough’s avid Riesling producers…

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Champion Sweet Wine

The title of Champion Sweet Wine at the 2021 Marlborough Wine Show is another title to add to a growing list for Forrest Wines.

Officially titled the Barrel Finance and Logistics Champion Sweet Wine, the trophy was awarded to the Forrest Wines Botrytised Riesling 2018, the most renowned wine in the family business’ range.

It was also the only wine of seven in the category to receive a gold medal this year.

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