Established over 30 years ago, Hunter’s Wines was the first to discover the wine-growing potential of New Zealand’s Marlborough region – in particular, its affinity for the Sauvignon Blanc grape. Today, the business ranks amongst the area’s top half dozen estates having won over 160 gold medals at international and national competitions.

Started by Jane Hunter’s late husband Ernie (an enthusiastic Irishman who had emigrated in the 1970s) Jane took over the family business in 1988. Born in South Australia, the daughter of a contract grape grower, Jane was a trained viticulturalist before meeting her husband. Her passion for the business, and the Marlborough region in particular, have won her an OBE, the UK Women in Wine Award and a CNZM (Companion to the New Zealand Order of Merit).

It was clear from the start that Hunter’s Wines had stumbled on something special in Marlborough; the very first 1982 vintage won six medals at New Zealand’s National Wine Show. International recognition followed in 1986 when their oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc won The Sunday Times Vintage Festival (the first of many firsts). Shortly after, Hunter’s Chardonnay was recognized in Decanter’s Best Wines List.

Today, Hunter’s Wines have over 100 hectares in the Wairau Valley planted mainly with white varietals – predominantly Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, as well as Sauvignon Blanc – plus Pinot Noir. All carry sustainable certification. The business is still imbued with Ernie’s enthusiasm and passion with an emphasis on pioneering new techniques and new varietals in the search for both the highest quality and genuine originality. Although the chief winemaker is Gary Duke – known for his meticulous attention to details - this is still very much a family business with Jane’s sister’s family making up the talented team.