Marlborough is New Zealand’s most famous wine region.
World-renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc, it is also recognised for other classic varietals that thrive here such as Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Whenua Awa, our Marlborough vineyard, was planted in 2002. Whenua Awa means ‘land by the river’. It is an idyllic spot nestled in the upper reaches of the Awatere Valley, sitting 200 metres above sea level on stony river terraces. With views out to the Pacific Ocean and the mighty mountain Tapuae-o-Uenuku rising behind it, the vineyard is not only naturally beautiful, it also produces some of the best Sauvignon Blanc grapes in world.
With a cooler and drier climate than other parts of Marlborough, the growing season in the Awatere Valley is longer, and is ripening slower. Combine this with dry, free-draining soil – an important feature of the terroir in Awatere – and the result is intensely flavoured fruit and exceptional wines.
Facts about the region
Marlborough put New Zealand on the international wine stage with the Sauvignon Blanc
A combination of a cool yet high sunshine climate, low rainfall and free-draining, moderately fertile soil produces uniquely vivid wines
Over 20,000ha of vines (around 2/3 of the national total) are under the care of local wine producers, making it the country's largest wine region
The Marlborough region is split into 3 sub regions – Southern Valleys, Wairau Valley and Awatere Valley
Average annual sunshine 2,409 hours
Average annual rainfall 655mm
Regional winestyles – Sauvignon Blanc 19,047ha , Pinot Noir 2,590ha , Aromatics 1,425ha , Chardonnay 1,047ha
For more about the Marlborough region visit: https://www.nzwine.com/en/our-regions/marlborough/
