From the rolling hills of Marlborough to the rugged landscapes of Central Otago, New Zealand's winemaking scene is as diverse and vibrant as the regions it spans. Here’s a glimpse into some of the standout winemakers and wineries that are shaping the future of New Zealand’s wine industry: ### **Wineries and Winemakers in the Spotlight** **1. Mill Creek Estate (Marlborough)** - A pioneering force in sustainable viticulture, Mill Creek Estate is known for its commitment to organic and biodynamic farming. Their wines, particularly the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, are celebrated for their purity and terroir expression. **2. A Thousand Gods (Waihopai, Marlborough)** - Winner of the **Best for Natural Wine** award, A Thousand Gods is redefining what natural wine can be in New Zealand. Using the organic Churton Vineyard, they craft clean, age-worthy wines with no additives. Their latest release, **No Devices** (a dry petit manseng), marks a significant milestone in New Zealand’s wine landscape. **3. Vilaura (Hawke’s Bay)** - A rising star in the sparkling wine category, Vilaura specializes in **méthode traditionnelle**. Their 2021 **Blanc de Blancs** and 2022 **Pinot Noir** are testaments to the quality and finesse of their work. Vilaura has quickly established itself as a key producer of **Best for Bubbles** in New Zealand. **4. Oraterra (Martinborough)** - A new player in Martinborough, **Oraterra** made waves with its 2023 vintage, despite the challenges of the year. Their wines, particularly the **Pinot Noir** and **Chardonnay**, are crafted with a focus on texture and mouthfeel, rather than aromatic profiling. A blend of the former team from Dry River, Oraterra is now firmly rooted in Martinborough with its own vineyards and winery. **5. Siren Wine (Marlborough)** - Since returning to Marlborough in 2020, **Ashleigh Barrowman** has built **Siren Wine** into a producer of highly distinctive, **single-vineyard, single-varietal** wines. All of Siren’s wines are made from the organic Wrekin Vineyard, showcasing a unique and minimal intervention approach. **6. Tantalus Estate (Waiheke Island)** - Planted in 1998, Tantalus Estate is known for its small-batch **Bordeaux and Rhône-style** blends. With a gravity-fed winery and the use of innovative vessels like **concrete eggs**, Tantalus continues to produce wines of exceptional quality and character. **7. Oraterra (Martinborough)** - A new player in Martinborough, **Oraterra** made waves with its 2023 vintage, despite the challenges of the year. Their wines, particularly the **Pinot Noir** and **Chardonnay**, are crafted with a focus on texture and mouthfeel, rather than aromatic profiling. A blend of the former team from Dry River, Oraterra is now firmly rooted in Martinborough with its own vineyards and winery. **8. Mill Creek Estate (Marlborough)** - A pioneering force in sustainable viticulture, Mill Creek Estate is known for its commitment to organic and biodynamic farming. Their wines, particularly the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, are celebrated for their purity and terroir expression. **9. A Thousand Gods (Waihopai, Marlborough)** - Winner of the **Best for Natural Wine** award, A Thousand Gods is redefining what natural wine can be in New Zealand. Using the organic Churton Vineyard, they craft clean, age-worthy wines with no additives. Their latest release, **No Devices** (a dry petit manseng), marks a significant milestone in New Zealand’s wine landscape. **10. Vilaura (Hawke’s Bay)** - A rising star in the sparkling wine category, Vilaura specializes in **méthode traditionnelle**. Their 2021 **Blanc de Blancs** and 2022 **Pinot Noir** are testaments to the quality and finesse of their work. Vilaura has quickly established itself as a key producer of **Best for Bubbles** in New Zealand. ### **Honorable Mentions** - **Mill Creek Estate** (Marlborough) - **A Thousand Gods** (Waihopai, Marlborough) - **Vilaura** (Hawke’s Bay) - **Oraterra** (Martinborough) - **Siren Wine** (Marlborough) - **Tantalus Estate** (Waiheke Island) ### **Conclusion** New Zealand’s wine industry is thriving, with winemakers and wineries pushing boundaries in sustainability, natural winemaking, and sparkling production. From the organic vineyards of Marlborough to the innovative blends of Waiheke Island, the future of New Zealand wine is as bright and diverse as the landscapes it comes from.