Winery Overview & History
Cloudy Bay is New Zealand’s most iconic winery and the estate that placed Marlborough on the global wine map. Founded in 1985 by David Hohnen of Cape Mentelle fame, the winery took its name from the bay at the northeastern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, first charted by Captain James Cook in 1770. Within just a few vintages, Cloudy Bay’s crisp, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc became synonymous with New Zealand’s vibrant winemaking identity.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
The vineyards lie in the Wairau Valley and Southern Valleys of Marlborough, where gravelly riverbed soils and long, sunny days combine with cool nights to retain piercing acidity and fresh aromatics. The region’s maritime climate delivers slow ripening and complex flavor development, forming the foundation of Cloudy Bay’s signature style.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
While the estate is best known for Sauvignon Blanc, it also produces highly regarded Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and the méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine Pelorus. The wines are elegant and expressive—showing notes of citrus, gooseberry, passionfruit and flint, carried by bright acidity and mineral purity.
Signature Wines
- Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc — The wine that defined a nation’s style: vivid, aromatic and irresistibly fresh.
- Cloudy Bay Te Koko — A barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc of complexity and depth, balancing wild fermentation and subtle oak.
- Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir — Silky and refined, expressing Marlborough’s cool-climate precision.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Harvested in the cool early mornings, grapes are gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel to preserve aromatics. For Te Koko, indigenous yeasts and French oak aging create layers of texture and savory complexity. Pinot Noir undergoes small-batch fermentation and barrel maturation to express Marlborough’s purity and finesse.
Visitor & Contact Information
Visiting: The Cloudy Bay Cellar Door and outdoor Wine Lounge offer tastings, food pairings and vineyard tours.
Address: Jacksons Road, Blenheim, Marlborough, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 520 9140
Website: www.cloudybay.com
Email: cellar.door@cloudybay.co.nz
* Photo Courtesy of Discover Tasmania