When you're looking to buy a bottle of wine from a country that you don't know much about, it can be a little overwhelming. Where do you begin?
Well, a good place to start (especially if you love most grape varieties) is with the producers. If you find a producer and a style that you like, you're almost guaranteed a good time no matter which bottle you select.
As such, today we're getting to know five New Zealand producers. Including four wineries from the sun-kissed vineyards of Marlborough – Catalina Sounds, Isabel Estate, Novum and Spy Valley – and one from the rugged slopes of Central Otago – Nanny Goat Vineyard – this guide introduces you to a selection of standout New Zealand wineries.
Whether you’re planning a cellar-door escape or simply seeking to broaden your wine knowledge, these wineries offer a gateway to understanding the heart of New Zealand wine.
Catalina Sounds – Marlborough
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 – Marlborough
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 – Central Otago
Nanny Goat Vineyard is named after the wild goats that roam the mountainous terrain of Central Otago. The nimble, sure-footed goats seemed to be a fair reflection of their determination to succeed, adapt and thrive in the rugged and often extreme climates of Central Otago.
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. 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 to vineyards in Bendigo, Pisa, Bannockburn and 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 six days and offering a relaxed dining menu, bookings are encouraged but walk-ins warmly accepted.
nannygoatvineyard.co.nz | 68 Queensberry Terrace, Queensberry, Otago
Novum – Marlborough
Novum was founded in 2015 by husband and wife team William Hoare and Rachel Jackson. Will grew up in Marlborough and is a second-generation grape grower with 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 winemaking abroad.
Today, Will and Rachel live – with their family, dog, cats, highland cows, sheep and ducks – in the heart of Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, where they produce small quantities of exceptional single-vineyard wines. All of their fruit is hand harvested, and this attention to detail follows to the winery, where Will supervises every step of the journey to finished wines, including the hand waxing and hand packing of every bottle.
Their Chardonnay (2023 – Halliday 96 points) comes off 40+ year old vines within their family owned and planted Riverbrook vineyard, in the heart of Marlborough’s 'golden mile'. Novum’s Pinot Noir (2023 – 95 points) and Rosé are sourced from 30+ year old vines within the treasured Quarters vineyard, the Syrah from their own close-planted One Acre vineyard; both are situated in Marlborough’s acclaimed Southern Valleys.
Novum does 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 – Marlborough
Spy Valley is a family-owned, vertically integrated estate hidden in the heart of Marlborough, New Zealand that produces award-winning, sustainably crafted wines. Founded in 1993, Spy Valley practice low intervention winemaking, letting the land and climate speak through each bottle. From vine to glass, everything is handled on-site, granting the team full control over quality and sustainability.
The name of the winery comes from its location – they share the valley with a satelling listening station, drawn by the same clarity and purity that defines their terroir. As Spy Valley says: "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 is proud to champion winemakers whose passion and precision play a vital role in shaping their expressive range of sauvignon blanc, gewürztraminer, riesling, pinot gris, pinot noir and chardonnay. Spy Valley Wines offer vibrant flavours, expressive aromas and distinctive regional character – 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
