7 best wineries in Marlborough New Zealand to visit

Marlborough might be where it all began for Sauvignon Blanc, but its diverse landscapes, world-class seafood and sunny days make it a great spot to visit all year long. 

Tasting some of the world's most acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc was not on my bingo card for 2024. Nevertheless, here I am in the Sauvignon Blanc capital of the world - sunny Blenheim in Marlborough, New Zealand.

I hope tasting and spitting fine vintages will make me reconsider my long-term disdain, er no, intolerance, oh all right, hatred for the zingy acidity of Marlborough Savvy Blanc. After the shortest, most scenic flight from Wellington, Blenheim's wineries each offer something very different, from revered reputations and passionate mavericks to trail-blazing families and thirteen-generation heritage.

Wine's the word. Picture: NZ Wine.

Celebrated and respected - Hans Herzog

Hans Herzog's charming cellar door opens with a whoosh of wood-fired warmth. The sign simply says, "His name is on the bottle, and his story is in it". Book an experience to tour the glorious gardens, winery, and 11.5-hectare single vineyard with Hans and Therese Herzog before tasting their renowned, certified organic wines.  Their natural wines are totally fermented and benefit from additional aging. Swiss-born Hans' family has been making wine for over 500 years, and the knowledge shows in the glass, from recent vintages to their heritage wines.

A charming cellar door and natural wines.

Painstaking pioneer - Nautilus Estate

Standing in Nautilus Estate's Clay Hill Vineyard, I'm surrounded by epic views of Marlborough Sounds and hazy mountains. Here single-block grapes are hand-picked with their whole bunch Pinot Noir made in tiny quantities, releasing only fifty cases of the Block 3 WB 2020. Like most Marlborough players, Nautilus has a suite of Sauvignon Blancs. Marketing manager Adam Balasoglou explains, "There's a big scale here in Marlborough…there is Sauvignon Blanc, and then there is Sauvignon Blanc. It's about dialling down the passionfruit and striving for more texture”. 

Epic views at Nautilus.

When Marlborough got noticed - Cloudy Bay 

Tasting wine at 'The Shack' is everything you expect an LVMH experience to be. Distinguished by floor-to-ceiling glass, I feel like I'm sitting in the vineyard where two Aussies launched Cloudy Bay in 1985. That first Sauvignon Blanc put New Zealand on the international wine map. The Shack is refined, luxurious 'available on request' accommodation. I enjoy playing super-rich while tasting Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc in the sun-bathed dining space. At the equally sunny, Scandi-inspired cellar door, you can graze on platters of local charcuterie and cheese - best paired with a glass of Pelorus Sparkling Rosé. 

Settle in at Cloudy Bay.

Champagne tradition and family foundation - No. 1 Family Estate

Despite his family making Champagne for twelve generations, Daniel Le Brun left France and followed his heart. He found Blenheim to be perfect for creating exceptional sparkling wine. No.1 is New Zealand's only winery dedicated to premium Méthode Traditionelle, and family is at the heart of everything they do. Son Remy and daughter Virginie continue the legacy. Assemblee is a splendid, classic blend, while their elegant Reine Cuvee (named after Virginie's grandmother) is a Rosé created with finesse. It may not be Champagne, but it is in name only. And it is available in Australia.

Harvest time at No.1 Family Estate.

Old vines creating a sustainable future - Te Whare Rā

After 20 years, Anna and Jason Flowerday continue to learn from their land. Hand-picked, certified organic and managed with biodynamic practices, Te Whare Rā plants buckwheat between the rows in spring, while in winter, their Red Devon herd keeps the row's Aussie grass trimmed. Winemaker Anna, a sixth-generation McLaren Vale grower, met 3rd-generation viticulturist and winemaker Jason at Hardy's. "We make wines we love, that we are utterly proud of and showcase the best of what we can do here", remarks Anna as she pours Toru. It shows in this unique blend of Gewurztraminer, Riesling & Pinot Gris they've been making for 17 years. 

Te Whare Ra is handpicked and elegant.

Family comes first at Allan Scott

Brother and sister Josh Scott and Sara Stocker now run the family label, and experimentation and innovation drive them to create wine that the world clamours for.  Their Allan Scott Marlborough Black Label Sauvignon Blanc is born in a vineyard only metres from the beach at Kekerengu. It regularly scores 93 points in wine bibles Wine Spectator and Winestate Magazine. Combine a delectable lunch at the Allan Scott Bistro with a tasting for a perfect Marlborough afternoon. 

The highly rated Allan Scott winery. Picture: Improv Works / Nick Suturin

Rock n Roll Framingham

"… and we can be Heroes, just for one day", so reads a paver leading to Framingham Wines' tasting room. Music is integral to Framingham's approach and ensures that they only take grape-growing and winemaking seriously. Like the courtyard, Framingham's wine continually surprises, from a Rosé crafted from Pinot Noir, Montepulciano, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc, to their wide range of distinctly Marlborough Rieslings. The hand-harvested old-vine F-Series Classic Riesling is pretty on the nose and a wonder on the palate.  

Music events at Framingham Wines.

Escape Route

Air New Zealand flies from Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast and Melbourne to Wellington. Then it's only another ½ hour flight to Blenheim.

The writer was a guest of New Zealand Winegrowers.

Originally published as 7 best wineries in Marlborough New Zealand to visit