Saint Clair Family Estate | Marlborough

When Neal and Judy Ibbotson first planted vines in the valley back in 1978, the Marlborough wine industry was still in its infancy. For years, they quietly supplied high-quality fruit to local wine companies before taking a leap of faith to establish Saint Clair Family Estate in 1994. The timing was perfect. Their inaugural vintage was a resounding success, with every single wine produced instantly securing a medal, cementing a reputation for excellence that continues to earn global acclaim today.

The secret to this enduring success lies in the earth. The family now farms 160 hectares of vines spread across ten highly distinct vineyard sites throughout the region. Each specific location was hand-picked for its unique soil profile and microclimate. This diverse spread allows the vines to tap into everything from stony riverbeds to clay-rich banks, resulting in a rich palette of fruit that perfectly captures the vibrant, sun-drenched character of New Zealand wines.

Inside the winery, the approach is all about preserving that natural vineyard freshness. Led by head winemaker Hamish Clark, the team takes great care to handle the grapes gently, often harvesting in the cool of the night to lock in those crisp, aromatic fruit flavours before the daytime heat sets in. It is this precise attention to detail that elevates their range, producing beautifully balanced bottles that have led leading critics to declare they craft some of the absolute finest Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in the world.

SAINT CLAIR FAMILY ESTATE