Before any wineries set up in Marlborough, it was not considered an ideal wine growing region. However, today with over 500 New Zealand wineries set up in the region, Marlborough is the country’s leading wine region.
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In fact, the New Zealand wineries in Marlborough produce around three-quarters of New Zealand wines. For this reason, the region is important to the country’s wine industry, and wine tourists who go for the New Zealand wine tours.
Therefore, plan a visit to the following New Zealand wineries and experience a fantastic new Zealand wine tour.
The New Zealand Wineries of Marlborough
Cloudy Bay
The winery founded in 1985 by David Hohnen, is one of the first New Zealand wineries established in the Marlborough region. After they set it up, the winery produced its first wine, a Sauvignon Blanc, which still reigns as the estate’s flagship wine. Although, the winery also produces excellent Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sparkling wine. In 2003, the multinational luxury goods firm, LVMH Moët, Hennessy Louis Vuitton bought the winery. Then, in 2010, under the new ownership, it produced a Te Wahi Pinot Noir, from grapes grown in Central Otago
Terroir, viticulture management of the vineyards and the winemaking process at Cloudy Bay, help produce award-winning wines. In fact, the wines often receive 90 points and higher from top wine critics and at wine competitions. For example, the 2015 Sauvignon Blanc received a score of 92 by Wine Spectator. And, the 2010 and 2014 vintage both won the Mundus Vini Gold award in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Cloudy Bay is cozy and scenic with views overlooking the vineyard, the perfect ambiance for a fantastic wine tasting. The staff at the winery is extremely friendly and informed, always ready to answer any questions. Also, the winery hosts events where guests can enjoy fine wine, play games, and feast on local cuisine. Furthermore, if guests wish to gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand wines, the winery staff can custom– make an itinerary of New Zealand wine tours for them.
Learn more about New Zealand Wines: The Best Of 2018!
As well as the International Wine & Spirit Competition awarded the 2008 vintage Gold (Best In Class).
Wither Hills
Driven by his desire to craft the very best wine from Marlborough, Brent Marris founded Wither Hills in 1994. In the beginning, Brent would buy grapes to supplement his and vinified the grapes from his father’s vineyards. And, in 1999 due to increased production demands, the two merged their estates and worked together to grow the business. As a result, they increased production and later sold the winery and label to Lion Nathan, the Australasian beverage company. However, Brent Marris remained as winemaker until 2006.
The estate vineyards in the Wairau Valley sub-region grow the common regional grape varieties. Including, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Pinot Gris, which they use to craft exceptional wines. In fact, Wither Hills wines get very high reviews from wine critics and win many awards in wine competitions. For instance, The TEXSOM International Wine Awards awarded the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Gold. As well as the International Wine & Spirit Competition awarded the 2008 vintage Gold (Best In Class).
A welcoming, beautiful estate with stunning views and modern architecture, Wither Hills is a perfect place to spend an afternoon sipping wine. In fact, indulge by taking a tour of the vine library and learn the subtle differences between the vintages and grapes. Also, take a walk to the restaurant and enjoy local cuisine paired with an expert selection of the estate wine. The Cellar door is open all days of the week from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.
Saint Clair Family Estate
Neal and Judy Ibbotson own and manage the estate, which was set up in 1978. When the two first started out, they would sell their grapes to local wine companies. However, in 1994, driven by the desire to extend value to the finished wine, they established the Saint Clair Family Estate.
The Saint Clair vineyards are in various sub-regions of Marlborough, including Ure Valleys, Wairau, and Awatere. The vineyards have Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Viognier, Merlot, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Syrah grapes growing there. They use the grapes to produce Saint Clair range of wines, including Saint Clair Reserve, Saint Clair Pioneer Block, Saint Clair Premium and Saint Clair Vicar’s Choice. These wines have won many awards, most recently a Gold Medal for the 2014 Saint Clair Chardonnay and a Gold Medal for the 2015 Saint Clair Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot.
Visit Saint Clair for wine tasting and enjoy some of the finest New Zealand wines, sumptuous meals, and gorgeous views. Also, the estate hosts various events during the year, to bring people to have fun, donate money for charity and enjoy wine.
The amazing New Zealand Wineries and wine industry offer excellent New Zealand wine tours and exquisite New Zealand wines. As a result, New Zealand wineries are very popular for wine tourism. As well, they are massively exported worldwide.