Intro
Catalina Sounds
Established in 2005, the name Catalina Sounds evolved from the majestic Catalina flying boats that played a vital role across the South Pacific during and after World War II. New Zealand’s famous and largest warbird, the Catalina, is a rare sight. In fact there are only a handful of these beautiful, iconic planes left in the world today. The proximity to the Marlborough Sounds, a fjord-like coastal body of water and the biggest climatic influence, perfectly encapsulates the core of nature, sustainability and history that the winery embodies.
Catalina Sounds has built a reputation for crafting nuanced, site-driven expressions of Marlborough sauvignon blanc. The winery is led by a small team that includes winemaker Matthew Ward and vineyard manager Fraser Brown. “When we set out to make wines, establishing the winery and vineyard, we knew at our core that sauvignon blanc would be our hero” says Matt. Today, they produce three different sauvignon blancs, as well as a pinot gris, a chardonnay and a pinot noir across two ranges, the Estate label and the Single Vineyard range.
Sourced from exclusive vineyards in the Southern Valleys and the Wairau Valley, and with a high portion of fruit from their Estate, the Sound of White Vineyard in the Waihopai Valley, these wines are a pure expression of place.
catalinasounds.co.nz | 1397 Waihopai Valley Road, Waihopai Valley, Marlborough
Isabel Estate
Established in 1980 on the sun-soaked, free-draining soils of the Wairau Valley, Isabel Estate has evolved into one of Marlborough's most well-respected producers.
At Isabel, great wine begins with great care – of the vineyard, the land and the surrounding environment. The estate’s mature vines form the backbone of the portfolio, underpinning their single-site wines and supported by sustainable viticultural practices that prioritise soil health, biodiversity and long-term resilience.
Guided by chief winemaker Jeremy McKenzie, the winemaking approach is gentle and considered, focused on purity of fruit and expression of site. The result is a collection of wines that feel honest and detailed: expressive chardonnay, finely structured pinot noir and vibrant sauvignon blanc, highlighting the breadth and strength of the estate. Isabel Estate remains a producer defined by authenticity: generous but refined wines that capture the essence of Marlborough, vintage after vintage.
isabelestate.co.nz | 72 Hawkesbury Road, Renwick, Marlborough, New Zealand
Nanny Goat Vineyard
Nanny Goat Vineyard is named after the wild goats that roam the mountainous terrain of Central Otago. It seemed to be a fair reflection of their determination to succeed, adapt and thrive in the rugged and often extreme climates of Central Otago – much like the nimble and sure-footed wild goats of the region have done before.
From their inception and the inaugural release of a single Pinot Noir in 2005, Nanny Goat Vineyard has strived to produce wines with elegance, concentration and balance while allowing each individual parcel of fruit to tell its own unique story. Pinot Noir is a fickle varietal that demands the utmost attention, both in the vineyard and in the winery to bring its true potential to the fore. They define it as their pursuit of magic.
Under the careful guidance of head winemaker Alan Peters-Oswald, the range reflects the distinct sub regions of Central Otago, from their home vineyard in Queensberry (also the location of their tasting room) to vineyards in Bendigo, Pisa, Bannockburn & Gibbston the wines each tell a story, from Estate, Single Vineyard and their penultimate Super Nanny Pinot Noir.
The tasting room, located halfway between Cromwell and Wanaka is the ideal setting to experience the range. Open 6 days and offering a relaxed dining menu, bookings are encouraged but walk-ins warmly accepted.
nannygoatvineyard.co.nz | 68 Queensberry Terrace, Queensberry, Otago
Novum Wines
Novum was founded in 2015 by husband & wife team William Hoare and Rachel Jackson. They live - with their family, dog, cats, highland cows, sheep & ducks - in the heart of Marlborough’s Southern Valleys where they produce small quantities of exceptional single vineyard wines.
Their Chardonnay (2023 96 points) comes off 40+ year old vines within their family owned & planted Riverbrook Vineyard sited in the heart of Marlborough’s “golden mile”.
Novum’s Pinot Noir (2023 95 points) and Rose are sourced from 30+ year old vines within the treasured Quarters Vineyard; the Syrah from their own close-planted One Acre Vineyard; both sited in Marlborough’s acclaimed Southern Valleys.
Will grew up in Marlborough and is a second-generation grape grower. Prior to founding Novum, Will had accumulated 20 years of winemaking experience both abroad and locally. Rachel trained and worked as a hydrologist before a life change saw her to move to wine. Rachel fell in love with Chardonnay after her time winemaking abroad.
Today, with 30 years of making wine in Marlborough, Will & Rachel have built a deep and intimate understanding of the patchwork of soils and microclimates within the region’s vineyards. Great wines portray themselves in terms of vineyards and sites. Will & Rachel identify the ‘sweet spots’ within their exceptional vineyards – the sites with sites - that season after season produce the most intensely flavoured grapes from which they craft their wines.
Their obsessive attention to detail in the vineyards is all-encompassing with all of their fruit hand-harvested. This commitment follows to the winery with Will supervising every step of the journey to finished wines including the hand-waxing and hand packing of every bottle.
Their desire is to make truly special wines that tell a powerful story of their ‘sweet spot’ origins and which are a delight to share with family and friends.
Novum do not have a Cellar Door and is not open for tastings. In Marlborough their wines can be tasted at The Wine Shed on Hammerichs Road.
novumwines.co.nz | Brancott Road, RD2, Fairhall, Blenheim 7272, New Zealand
Spy Valley
Spy Valley has produced award-winning, sustainably crafted wines that capture the unique time and place of every vintage since 1993. We are a family-owned, vertically integrated estate hidden in the heart of Marlborough, New Zealand—one of the world's purest and most pristine wine regions.
Here, we practice low intervention winemaking, letting the land and climate speak through each bottle. From vine to glass, everything is handled on-site, allowing us full control over quality and sustainability. It’s wine made with intention—not interference.
Spy Valley is proud to champion winemakers, whose passion and precision play a vital role in shaping our expressive range of Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
It just so happens that we share the valley with a satellite listening station—drawn here by the same clarity and purity that defines our terroir. But while espionage stays in the shadows, Spy Valley, a two-time IWSC New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year, as well as proud member of Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) continues to stand out.
Our wine has been called "impossible to ignore" and consistently delivers exceptional experiences for our people and wine lovers around the world.
Spy Valley Wines offer vibrant flavours, expressive aromas and distinctive regional character. Nestled in the premium wine region od Marlborough, New Zealand, our wines reflect the unique terroir of our home, delivering a true “taste of place” in every glass.
spyvalleywine.co.nz | 37 Lake Timara Road West, RD6, Blenheim, Marlborough 7276, New Zealand
Top image credit: Spy Valley
