News
Congratulations to Anna Kelland from Constellation Brands, who became the 2025 Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year on 29 May. This is the second consecutive year she has taken out the prestigious title. She is excited to represent Marlborough in the national finals again and determined to bring the national trophy home this year.
Congratulations also to Laura Hammond from Babich, who came second, and Harry Watson from Berakah Vineyard Management, who came third.
Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) launches its highly anticipated Interactive Wine Map of Marlborough, a cutting-edge digital platform set to transform how wine professionals and enthusiasts experience the region's diverse terroir. This innovative tool elevates the original Wine Map of Marlborough, created by the Marlborough Wine Map Collective, into an immersive digital experience that brings the region's unique characteristics to life.
Marlborough’s 2025 vintage was “smooth and easy and didn’t miss a beat,” says Jamie Marfell, group winemaker NZ at Vinarchy (formerly Pernod Ricard Winemakers). “Because the crop levels were up everything was ripening quite evenly and slowly, it wasn’t a rush and we brought in strong fruit across the region.
“The winery kept up with everything coming through the door and we were getting absolutely clean juice going into ferment. That’s the mark of a good vintage, when your ferments kick off after a couple of days, and the winery and everyone is working together, going to plan.” He says the well-paced harvest was a great way to mark 50 years since the first Sauvignon Blanc was planted in their Brancott vineyard.
The Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition 2025 is now in its 20th year and is taking place on Thursday 29th May. This competition provides a fantastic opportunity for viticulturists 30 years or under to up-skill, grow in confidence, widen their network and start making a name for themselves within the industry.
Ten young Marlborough contestants will undergo a mix of practical and theoretical modules from pruning to Budgeting. They go head-to-head in the BioStart Hortisports event, a quick-fire quiz as well as give a speech at the awards dinner.
We are pleased to introduce the Marlborough viticulturists competing in the 2025 Marlborough competition.
Pioneering Marlborough photographer and winemaker Kevin Judd is the 2025 recipient of the Marlborough Living Cultural Treasure Award. The award recognises individuals who have made an extraordinary, inspiring and significant contribution to cultural endeavour in Marlborough throughout their lifetime.
Whitehaven Senior Winemaker Diana Katardzhieva has been named ‘Best Woman Winemaker’ for still white wines at the prestigious 2025 Sakura Women's Wine Awards. Both the 2024 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc and 2023 Chardonnay were awarded the top accolade of Diamond Trophy.
Winepress
Established in 1991, Winepress is the longest running wine publication in New Zealand, reporting the latest news, information & research in the Marlborough wine industry. For Winepress Advertising please contact Jo May. For Winepress subscriptions please contact us here.
