David Herd established Marlborough's very first colonial vineyard and winery on the site of Auntsfield Estate in 1873. For over 50 years, this visionary Scotsman produced highly regarded wines from his hand-planted plots, pioneering a wine region that would eventually capture the world's attention. Today, the Cowley family acts as the proud custodians of this historic land, dedicating their time to keeping Herd's original passion alive. In an incredible nod to the past, the grapes harvested on the estate today share direct ancestry with those original 19th-century vines, growing on the exact same patch of land where Marlborough winemaking was born.
The unique character of the property is anchored by the lovingly restored underground wine cellar that Herd dug out over a century ago. Tucked away beneath the vineyard rows, stepping into this historic structure immediately treats you to a cool, damp atmosphere, the rich scent of the earth, and an undeniable sense of history. This tangible connection to the past translates directly into the soil management and vineyard care, where the family focuses entirely on small-batch, estate-grown fruit to ensure the authentic spirit of the land is never diluted by mass production.
Specialising in Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, this collection offers an uncompromising level of quality that stands well apart from generic, mass-market New Zealand wines. By focusing strictly on their own handcrafted estate fruit, the Cowleys bottle text-book expressions that balance intense flavor with a refined, mineral texture. The Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and bright, bursting with fresh passionfruit, lime zest, and herbal notes, while the Pinot Noir is beautifully fragrant, offering silky layers of ripe red cherries and subtle, savory spices. These expressive, food-friendly wines make an exceptional match for pan-fried sea bass, roast chicken, or a fresh goat's cheese salad.