About Us
Wine Marlborough Ltd is a company 100% owned by the Marlborough Winegrowers Association. We represent the interests of Marlborough grape growers and wine companies, which produce approximately 80% of New Zealand’s wine. The wine industry accounts for over 20% of Marlborough’s GDP and one in five jobs in the region.
Our purpose is to reinforce Marlborough’s position as a leading global wine region.
Wine Marlborough GM Marcus Pickens presents the Wine Marlborough Lifetime Achievement Award to Neal and Judy Ibbotson from Saint Clair Family Estate at the Marlborough Wine Show Celebration Long Lunch 2020.
Our History
The Grape Growers Association was established in 1977 by members of the industry and later became the Marlborough Winegrowers Association (MWG). Wine Marlborough Ltd was established in 1992 and is 100% owned by MWG and is governed by the MWG board of directors. Explore Marlborough’s Wine History and the Wine Heritage Trail Map
Our Members
Every person or body corporate who produces grapes in Marlborough or grape wine from grapes grown in Marlborough for sale is a member. We represent 506 grape growers and 172 wine companies, accounting for over 84% of New Zealand’s wine production. Membership is paid through the levies paid to the national wine body, New Zealand Wine.
Our Team
Contact our Team:
Marcus Pickens (General Manager)
Ngaire Lawson (Business Support and Finance Administrator)
Ruth Berry (Advocacy Manager)
Sarah Linklater (Marketing and Communications Manager)
Eleanor Jones (Event and Membership Support)
Vision | What we will achieve
Recognition of Marlborough as the home of the world’s most distinctive and valued Sauvignon Blanc.
Purpose | Why we exist
Reinforce Marlborough’s position as a leading global wine region
Beliefs | What we stand for
Leadership in times of challenge, opportunity and success
Build and maintain valuable stakeholder partnerships for the advancement of Marlborough’s wine interests
Supporting a world-class wine sector that nurtures its lands, champions its people, and secures a vibrant regional legacy for generations to come
Excellence in all that we do
Character | Who we are
Proactive in enhancing the value of brand Marlborough
Understanding of what is important to our members
Respectful of all stakeholders
Committed to the advancement and success of the Marlborough region
Our Strategy | How we will execute our Plan
The Wine Marlborough Strategic Plan Overview to 2029 sets the following four pillars to execute our plan.
Education | we will
Be the trusted source of information for Marlborough’s wine region
Highlight key issues and support members’ understanding
Continue to develop and promote the Marlborough wine story to ensure it remains relevant, compelling and a true reflection of the region’s unique position
Collaboration | we will
Build and strengthen partnerships to support Marlborough’s profile and industry voice
Unite stakeholders and guide decision making with a view to long-term success
Enable collaboration that advances shared initiatives, innovation, and tangible outcomes for members
Protection | we will
Grow long-term premium value of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc by strengthening its global profile
Advocate for members’ rights and interests
Work to protect the integrity and reputation of the Marlborough wine brand
Celebration | we will
Create, support and deliver events that showcase members, create relationships and support commercial success
Applaud and amplify member and community activity that strengthens the region’s reputation
Champion Marlborough’s wines by promoting the quality, distinctiveness, and success of Sauvignon Blanc alongside the region’s wider wine styles
Board of Directors The Marlborough Winegrowers Association Board (MWG) is made up of wine company and grape grower representatives.
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Tanya Pouwhare
Chair
Omaka VinesBorn and raised in Marlborough, Tanya has spent the past 14 years working in the wine industry. She is a vineyard owner and General Manager of Grapeworx Marlborough. Her experience spans vineyard operations, governance, policy and strategic leadership. Tanya is passionate about protecting and promoting Marlborough’s reputation as a distinctive and respected wine region, supporting growers and wineries through change, and working together to deliver long-term value.
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Nigel Sowman
Deputy Chair
NJ & KA Sowman Partnership
Born and raised in Blenheim, Nigel is a 5th generation local who has over 20 years’ experience in the local wine industry. Nigel completed the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme in 2017 and currently holds roles roles as a trustee of the Marlborough Environment Awards Trust and contributes to industry working groups.
nigel@dogpoint.co.nz
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Steve Crockett
Ashford Vineyards
Steve has deep roots in Marlborough and a wide range of connections within and outside the wine industry created through a large family, a previous career in education as a primary school principal and long involvement and service through local club rugby. He is also a grape grower in the Lower Wairau. Steve is passionate about supporting Marlborough grape growers in achieving sustainable growth, embracing innovation, and fostering a strong, united community.
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Damien Yvon
Clos Henri Ltd
Born and raised in the Loire Valley of France, Damien has been the Winemaker and General Manager of Clos Henri for the past 15 years. As a member of the Marlborough Winegrowers Association board, Damien immensely values the opportunity to further build on the great work the board and associated staff have achieved over the years.
damien@closhenri.com
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Belinda Jackson
Lawson’s Dry Hills
With almost 40 years in the wine industry working in vineyards, wineries and buying, marketing and selling wine, Belinda is sales and marketing manager with a particular interest in driving environmental sustainability. Belinda is "a proactive, ‘big picture’, strategic thinker, bringing innovative commercial and community initiatives to life" and wants to support the region by her representation on the board.
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Patrick Materman
Indevin Wine
With 30 years in the Marlborough wine industry, Patrick has developed a deep understanding of what makes the region exceptional and a strong commitment to its continued success. His experience spans operating his own Awatere Valley vineyard, leading winemaking teams, and working extensively in export markets—giving him insight from vineyard through to consumer. Having worked across most New Zealand wine regions and in several countries, he has a clear perspective on what sets Marlborough apart and how those strengths can be best leveraged.
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Ben Leonard
Greywacke
Growing up in Marlborough and working in the wine industry from a young age through his family vineyard, Ben has built a career across marketing, business development and general management with Constellation, Moët Hennessy/Cloudy Bay and now Greywacke. His experience across wineries and distribution businesses, domestic and international markets, has given him a broad perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. Ben is passionate about protecting and strengthening Marlborough’s reputation while celebrating the people, place and wines that make the region world famous.
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Michiel Eradus
Eradus Wines
Michiel has been involved with the wine industry in Marlborough since 2003. During this time he has become, and is still a grape grower, a winery owner and a labour contractor. The last 18 years has shown Michiel how important it is for all three disciplines to work together, or at least respect each-others situation and position.
michiel@eraduswines.co.nz