Vintage 2025

A cool, wet January was followed by warm, settled conditions from February through to harvest. This resulted in clean, ripe fruit with great natural acidity and classic varietal character. Every region in New Zealand has produced standout wines, and we’re excited about what’s to come.

An exceptionally warm spring and near-perfect flowering conditions led to yields well above the long-term average. To align supply with global demand, we selectively thinned crops and left some fruit unharvested. Despite a cooler January, the return of dry, warm weather through harvest ensured clean fruit and excellent flavour development. Higher yields extended ripening timelines, allowing us to capture ripe flavours at lower natural sugar levels. Cool autumn nights preserved the natural acidity, crucial for classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Season Standouts

2025 has delivered wines of real character. Sauvignon Blanc is vibrant and expressive, with hallmark purity and punch. Pinot Noir shows great colour and varietal definition. Subregional diversity is notable again this year, with fruit from Awatere Valley particularly impressive.

A warm dry spring led to strong flowering and fruit set, although December and January brought cooler, wetter conditions. Despite the weather, ripening progressed well, with harvest beginning mid-February. After two lighter vintages, yields returned to normal, and fruit quality was strong across the board.

Season Standouts

Chardonnay was the definite highlight, with excellent fruit. Pinot Gris required careful management due to disease pressure, but careful picking and attention to detail in the winery delivered great results. Overall, a very successful season for Gisborne.

Warm spring conditions and a favourable flowering period set the stage for a balanced crop. While January was cooler, it remained dry, and February brought a return to warm, stable conditions – ideal for ripening. Harvest kicked off early, with nearly all Chardonnay picked by the first week of March. The wines are already showing excellent ripeness, flavour and acid balance – a worthy follow-up to the superb 2024 vintage.

Season Standouts

The Springhill Vineyard in the cooler Central Hawke’s Bay region delivered beautifully expressive Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. Red varietals – particularly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, were picked later and are showing deep colour, ripe tannins and great depth. It has shaped up to be another high-quality vintage for Hawke’s Bay.