Appellation Marlborough Wine

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It is a promise of origin, integrity, authenticity and sustainability

The Appellation Marlborough W**e regional quality mark is a timely evolution for a major international w**e region, established to protect the integrity of Marlborough w**e.

26/10/2026

AMW is delighted to announce the 2026 Appellation Marlborough W**e Sauvignon Blanc Collection. ⁠
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A benchmark selection of certified 100% Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, the AMW Collection celebrates the diversity, quality and authenticity that defines our region. ⁠
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INTRODUCING THE 2026 AMW COLLECTION:⁠
Astrolabe Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2026 | Awatere Valley⁠
Bladen Five Barrels Sauvignon Blanc 2024 | Central Wairau⁠
Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc 2026 | Wairau Valley⁠
Catalina Sounds Sound of White Classic Sauvignon Blanc 2025 | Southern Valleys⁠
Cloudy Bay Te Koko 2024 | Wairau Valley⁠
Duck Hunter Sauvignon Blanc 2026 | Marlborough⁠
Eva Pemper W**es Sauvignon Blanc 2026 | Lower Wairau⁠
Rapaura Springs Bull Paddock Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2026 | Lower Wairau⁠
Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc 2026 | Central Wairau⁠
The Loop Sauvignon Blanc 2026 | Coastal Awatere & Blind River⁠
Two Rivers Convergence Sauvignon Blanc 2026 | Marlborough⁠
Walnut Block Collectables Sauvignon Blanc 2026 | Central Wairau⁠
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AMW Chair Sophie Parker-Thomson MW says the Annual Collection is a testament to the care and commitment behind every certified w**e. “Appellation Marlborough W**e was created to protect Marlborough’s reputation for future generations. Our certification standards, unique in New Zealand, help ensure that w**es from our country’s largest w**e region are made with integrity and reflect their origin. Together, they provide consumers with confidence in the authenticity and quality of every bottle.”⁠
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26/10/2026

Will your favourite producer be included this year? We can't wait to announce the Annual Appellation Marlborough W**e Sauvignon Blanc Collection - TOMORROW, 27.10.26.⁠ ⁠
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We asked our International Guest Judge, Jennifer Docherty MW, why an AMW Annual Collection is so important...⁠
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"It is important to promote and appreciate craftsmanship," says Jennifer. "Especially as we want to attract, inspire and keep w**e consumers. Trends come and go, but quality and authenticity stand the test of time."⁠
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"There was a diversity of styles and obvious regionality expressed through an outstanding vintage. It was such a pleasure to be introduced to some of AMW members' Sauvignon Blancs via a blind tasting in a professional environment. I feel like I learned as much as I contributed."⁠
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24/10/2026

Will your favourite producer be included this year? We can't wait to announce the Annual Appellation Marlborough W**e Sauvignon Blanc Collection - 27.10.26.⁠
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We asked our judges why the AMW Annual Collection is so important...⁠
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"It's great to see quality as a whole," says Matt Aitchison, Cassia & The French Cafe. "To identify the leaders in the industry, recognising the⁠
time, effort and energy that AMW w**emakers are taking to produce world-leading w**es."⁠
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"We sometimes overlook the variety that placed us in the global spotlight for w**e making and viticulture," says Benji Smith, Arbour. "The annual collection of AMW Sauvignon Blanc is incredibly important in debunking the myths that suggest that the w**es of our region are "simple". We owe this Collection to the w**emakers and w**e growers who steadfastly represent our region by creating layered and complex w**es."⁠
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Arbour 💪

23/10/2026

Will your favourite producer be included this year? We can't wait to announce the Annual Appellation Marlborough W**e Sauvignon Blanc Collection - 27.10.26.⁠
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"The quality of submitted w**e was outstanding," says Liz Wheadon, AMW Collection lead judge. "2026 is an incredibly strong vintage - and what really stood out was just how narrow the gap has become between the very best w**es."⁠
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"Another real highlight for me was the evolution of Marlborough's subregional diversity. Having last tasted for the Collection five years ago, the progress is really clear. The individual subregions are showing greater definition and personality than ever before. At the same time, there are some brilliant blends from across the region that capture everything Marlborough does so well. Both approaches are equally valid, and both have a really important place in showcasing the region."⁠
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**es ⁠

18/10/2026

The AMW mark is awarded to w**es that meet defined production standards, are verified for 100% Marlborough origin and certified sustainable vineyards, bottled exclusively in New Zealand, and pass a tasting assessment by an independent panel of industry experts.⁠
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Today, 107 new release AMW certified Sauvignon Blancs will be tasted blind by a panel of w**e experts; assessed for their seasonal expression, varietal typicity and ultimate balance. ⁠
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What w**eries... which w**es... will be selected for this year's AMW Annual Sauvignon Blanc Collection?

16/10/2026

Meet Marlborough's Central Wairau Valley...

Characterised by old gravelly riverbeds, flat river plains and gentle slopes, the Central Wairau Valley forms the geographic and viticultural heart of Marlborough. This area encompasses the subregions of Rapaura, Woodbourne, Fairhall, Renwick and Conders Bend - each shaped by the historical flow paths of the Wairau River.

The Central Wairau's combination of accessible terrain and diverse soil profiles makes it one of the most intensively planted and productive areas in Marlborough. For Sauvignon Blanc, expect vibrant expressions marked by notes of gooseberry, citrus, blackcurrant leaf and fresh capsicum - hallmarks of the classic Marlborough profile.

Yet, Sauvignon Blanc is only part of the story. On less alluvial, lower-fertility soils, the region also produces bright, juicy Pinot Noir and crisp, zesty Chardonnay—grapes that are frequently selected for both premium still w**es and traditional method sparkling. Aromatic whites such as Pinot Gris and Riesling thrive here as well, alongside newer plantings of emerging varieties like Albariño and Grüner Veltliner, which are gaining recognition for their freshness and finesse.

16/10/2026

Appellation Marlborough W**e has welcomed an exceptional panel of judges for its Annual Collection tasting since its inception. The level of commitment and care shown towards the selection process has been unparalleled.

This year is no different and we are thrilled to have Liz Wheadon return - stepping into the panel chair role for the 2026 Collection. Liz is an expert in her field and a seasoned w**e judge. Her latest w**e venture is the thoughtfully curated Normanby Fine W**es.

Our international guest judge, Jennifer Docherty, was the first ethnically Chinese and Mandarin-speaking Master of W**e. Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, Jennifer resides in Hong Kong following many years in the UK w**e biz. Her industry experience is prolific, spanning buyer, educator, w**e show judge, and media.

Representing on-premise, we are delighted to welcome Matt Aitchison, Restaurant Manager of The French Café. Highly respected and deeply experienced, Matt was recognised at this year’s Ch*****ne Louis Roederer Top 100 Sommeliers New Zealand, taking out the coveted #1, top spot.

As a wonderful final flourish, we welcome a junior judge to our Annual Collection panel this year. Benji Smith of Arbour is a local champion and an integral member of Marlborough’s only two-hatted restaurant. Benji was also recognised by the Ch*****ne Louis Roederer Top 100 Sommeliers 2026 awards, earning an impressive top 20 placement.

15/10/2026

These gorgeous bursts of new life hail from the Awatere Valley and the vineyards of Awatere River w**es. ⁠
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The Awatere Valley is situated further south and closer to the coast than most of Marlborough and is known for its rugged, cool, and wind-swept environment. This unique climate leads to slow ripening, low yields and high natural acidity - resulting in w**es with intense aromatics and vibrant tension.

With the constant of spring being changeable weather, vineyard crews across Marlborough remain on high alert for dipping temperatures and frost conditions. Their primary job for another few weeks is protecting these tender shoots; safeguarding them for the important growing and ripening seasons ahead.

📷️ Awatere River

13/10/2026

14 Days | 2 Weeks | 1 Fortnight⁠
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Each year, Appellation Marlborough W**e reveals a standout group of Sauvignon Blancs that reflect the best of Marlborough. These 12 w**es demonstrate excellence in origin, authenticity and craft. Selected by a panel of expert w**e judges, the AMW Annual Collection represents different subregions, w**emaking styles and the diversity of Marlborough’s terroir — all underpinned by AMW’s strict certification.⁠
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Which w**es will be included in this year's AMW Annual Sauvignon Blanc Collection?

07/10/2026

Appellation Marlborough W**e is delighted to welcome Wither Hills as its newest member. A producer renowned for its commitment to people and place, it is fantastic to now see its w**es donning the AMW Trust Mark. ⁠
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"Since our beginnings in 1994, Wither Hills has been shaped by where we stand in Marlborough," says Geoff Matthews, Wither Hills Operations Director. "The people, landscape and climate of this region are fundamental to who we are and the w**es we make. We’re proud to join a collective of Marlborough producers committed to protecting the integrity and reputation of our region. Appellation Marlborough W**e certification provides independent verification of provenance and quality, giving our customers greater confidence in the w**es they choose.⁠"⁠
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Five Wither Hills w**es are already certified, with new releases set to join them soon!
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Wither Hills Foudre Cellar Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2024⁠
Wither Hills Amphora Cellar Collection Chardonnay 2024⁠
Wither Hills Benmorven Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2024⁠
Wither Hills Cellar Collection Block 13 Pinot Noir 2024⁠
Wither Hills Taylor River Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024

What w**es are AMW certified? Find out here: www.appellationmarlboroughw**e.co.nz/members/certified-w**es

Address

Blenheim

Website

http://www.appellationmarlboroughwine.co.nz/

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