Economic Yields
A new report reveals that 18% of all Marlborough’s economic activity in 2020, a total of $571 million, can be attributed to the wine industry, with one in every four jobs directly and indirectly related to wine.

Vintage 2021
The upcoming vintage is likely to be compressed, with low yields and warm weather leading to rapid ripening. After a year of unexpectedly stellar Sauvignon sales around the world, wine companies have little remaining in the tank to make up for the seasonal shortfall.

Labour Logistics
Marlborough is facing something of a perfect storm around labour shortages this winter pruning season, with an additional 1,630 hectares of vineyard planted in the past two years, but only a fraction of the typical labour force, and far fewer skills than in the past.

Summer Feast
Rock bands in the cellar door, vinyl in the vines, cheese at the church and Sauvignon in the Sounds. The Summer Feast series is ensuring there’s plenty on in Marlborough this month.

Heating up for Harvest
Marlborough wineries are steaming ahead with harvest preparations, taking the challenges of labour shortages and potential Covid-19 outbreaks in their stride.

Waste not want not
Managing winery waste sustainably - economically as well as environmentally - requires vigilance, says Rapaura Springs’ waste management manager Pat Pacey. With vintage approaching, the Marlborough District Council provides guidance on how more companies can ensure compliance.

Tourism Reset
Wine tourism in Marlborough is forging ahead in the wake of Covid-19, with operators enjoying the benefits of a strong domestic market. Experience Counts Cloudy Bay’s customer experience team “embraced” lockdown, using it as an opportunity to refocus on the domestic market.

McBride Sisters
Andréa McBride John grew up surrounded by vines in Marlborough, while her big sister lived 10,000 kilometres away on a vineyard in Monterey. These days the McBride sisters have a thriving wine company that spans New Zealand and Californian wine.