Written by Missy Johnston
Marlborough Sound, New Zealand
The Marlborough region in New Zealand produces truly spectacular wines, due to its optimal growing conditions for grapes. That means that a New Zealand luxury private yacht charter that includes Marlborough Sounds is the perfect opportunity for wine-tasting.
There are many vineyards in Marlborough Sounds (more than 500 grape-growers service the area’s wineries), but here are a few favorites that provide a sample of the wine-tasting opportunities within the region.
Though the premier Marlborough wine is Sauvignon Blanc, the area’s famed success for growing different grape varieties and public demand for different types of wines has given rise to wineries that go beyond the classic Sauvignon Blanc offering.
Beautiful New Zealand Vineyard
Dog Point Vineyard
When Marlborough emerged as a wine capital of the world in the 1980s, the founders of Dog Point Vineyard had already been perfecting their craft for almost a decade. The two couples behind this successful venture combined forces because they share similar passions. Their goal is to produce excellent wines while respecting and honoring the land and using organic growing techniques. They produce Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, a specialized Sauvignon Blanc fermented in aged French oak barrels, and, of course, the traditional Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
No.1 Family Estate
This family-founded estate and winery prides itself on creating specialist wines using the traditional method for producing sparkling wines. This “Methode Traditionelle” wine stems from the work of twelve generations of the founder’s family in Champagne. Today, this winery produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and traditional champagnes.
Vineyard in Marlborough, New Zealand
Framingham Wines
Framingham Wines has been operating in the region since 1981 and has evolved in the types of wines they produce. They have a wide selection of wines to choose from, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Montepulciano, Riesling, and Chardonnay.
Lawson’s Dry Hills
While every winery wants to produce the best wines possible, Lawson’s Dry Hills aims to do so using 100-percent sustainable practices. Their current approach is a combination of older traditions and newer methods. They offer Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztraminer paired with cheeses, pate, and a selection of cured meats.
Visit a number of different Marlborough Sounds wineries on a private crewed yacht charter and enjoy the various wines of the area, perhaps with fresh green lipped mussels fresh from the sea.
Green Lipped Mussels
