OUR STORY
Our unique environments and diverse characteristics give our wines a distinct identity that is recognized globally. With a large diurnal temperature range, sea breezes and minerality flavours that typify our region. We are committed to producing the highest quality wines that reflect the terroir of our region and showcase the craftsmanship of our winemakers. Our team of passionate and experienced professionals are dedicated to delivering exceptional wine experiences to our customers.
Wine Sub-Regions in South Marlborough
Diverse and distinctive wine-growing landscapes extend south of the Wairau Valley, Marlborough. The Awatere Valley, Blind River, and along the rugged Pacific coastline are subregions of Marlborough defined by dramatic landscapes, cool maritime influences, strong winds, and a diverse range of soils. This southern part of Marlborough produces wines with a unique sense of place.​While each sub-region has its own character, they share a common environment shaped by the Pacific Ocean, surrounding mountain ranges, long sunshine hours, cool nights, and a long, slow ripening season. These conditions help preserve natural acidity, enhance aromatic intensity, and create wines known for their freshness, structure, and concentration.​Together, Awatere Valley, Blind River, and the Coastal South represent the diversity and potential of the remote and rural regions in South Marlborough.
Awatere Valley
The Awatere Valley is a defining landscape of South Marlborough, following the path of the Awatere River through a dramatic valley shaped by tectonic forces and the Awatere Fault. The valley raises rapidly towards Tapuae-o-Uenuku, the mountain guardian keeping watch over South Marlborough. The rapid rise in altitude so close to the coast, river terraces, and a complex mix of soils including gravel, loess, and marine-influenced deposits create a distinctive environment for viticulture.
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The cool, dry conditions of the Awatere Valley create a long, slow ripening season, preserving natural acidity while building concentration, aromatic intensity, and structure. The natural exposure and lower vigour conditions encourage careful vine balance, producing grapes with concentrated flavours and vibrant acidity. Awatere wines reflect a landscape shaped by wind, mountains, river, and sea — a place where resilience and precision are expressed in every glass.
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Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc is renowned for its precision and intensity, often showing fresh citrus, herbs, mineral notes, and a distinctive freshness. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and aromatic varieties also express the region’s cool climate character through elegance, structure, and purity.
Blind River
Blind River is a distinct valley and catchment within South Marlborough, with its own geological and climatic identity. Historically often associated with the wider Awatere area, Blind River is increasingly recognised for its unique expression of place.
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Located closer to the Pacific coastline and more exposed to coastal influences, Blind River is one of Marlborough’s coolest, driest, and windiest wine-growing environments. These conditions naturally limit vine vigour and contribute to small, concentrated berries with excellent flavour intensity.
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The resulting wines often show remarkable freshness, finesse, and precision. Blind River Sauvignon Blanc displays vibrant aromatics, crisp acidity, and a refined structure that reflects its exposed coastal environment.
Southern Coast
The Southern Coast sub-region of Marlborough extends from Ward through Flaxbourne, Ure/Waima, Kēkerengū, and towards Kaikoura. This emerging wine-growing landscape is characterised by its dramatic meeting of mountains and sea, with uplifted marine terraces, diverse soils, and strong Pacific influences.
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The region’s cool, dry climate and persistent coastal winds create a long ripening season, allowing flavours to develop slowly while maintaining freshness and acidity. A diverse mix of gravelly loams, marine-derived soils, sandy deposits, and areas of limestone-rich soils contribute to the individuality of this developing wine area.
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Early wines from the Southern Coast show promise, with vibrant aromatics, fresh acidity, mineral character, and refined texture. Different varieties and styles of wine are also as this young wine-growing area continues to develop, it is revealing a distinctive expression of the Coastal sub-regional identity.
A Shared Identity
The strength of wines from the South Marlborough sub-regions lies in the diversity. From the altitude of the terraces in the Upper Awatere Valley, to the exposed landscapes of Blind River, and the emerging coastal vineyards along the Pacific edge, each area contributes a unique expression of this remarkable wine-growing environment.​These communities are rural and remote, together, the landscapes of the Awatere, Blind River and Coastal sub-regions create an identity of vibrant wines built on resilience, innovation, and a deep connection between tangata/people, whenua/land, and wine
OUR WINE PRODUCERS
Eradus Wines
Hampshire Vineyards
Foley Wines
Kono Wines
Spring Creek Vintners
TÅ«pari Wines
Yealands Wine