About Us

EDUCATE. GROW. PROTECT. CELEBRATE

Established in 1992, Wine Marlborough Ltd is owned by the Marlborough Winegrowers Association and as such, we are effectively owned by all Marlborough grape growers and winery industry members.

Our purpose is to proudly stand up for, and build, the reputation of Marlborough's wine region.

New Zealand produces only 1% of the world’s wine, but has an international presence and reputation that far exceeds this. Marlborough put New Zealand on the international wine stage with its exquisite Sauvignon Blanc in the 1980s. This reputation has grown with diversity, world-leading focus on sustainability, and of course a distinctly New Zealand expression in the glass.

In 2020 Marlborough harvested 343,036 Tonnes, representing 77.7% of the country's harvest from 27,808 ha, 70% of the total country's producing area.

99% of all vineyards in Marlborough are certified with Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. 

WHAT WE STAND FOR: Providing leadership in times of opportunity, challenge and success. Future proofing the success of our members. Suporting members to gain and retain new talent. Being a window for the world to fall in love with Marlborough. 

Marlborough will be the world’s greatest wine region

Wine Marlborough represents 514 grape growers and 158 wine companies. Membership is automatic for all wineries and grape growers in the region. Wine Marlborough has a close working relationship with New Zealand Winegrowers who also partially fund the organisation with levies collected via the Commodity Levy’s Act 1990. 

 

Read our Strategic Plan overview to 2023.

We wish to acknowledge the generous support of our committiee members: 

 

Marlborough Wine and Food Festival:  

Tracy Johnston (chair), Dion Brown, Glyn Walters, Bridget Glackin

  

Young Viticulturist – Marlborough:

David Bullivant (chair), Jaimee Whitehead, Josephine Maher,  Matt Duggan, Matt Fox,  Nigel Sowman, Anthony Walsh

 

Silver Secateurs:

Craig Mill, Alistair Mitchell, Marcus Wickham, Jeremy Hyland, James Jones, Richard Hunter

Who we are
The Team

Photo of Marcus Pickens

Marcus Pickens

General manager

Marcus, when not at work is rather obsessed with music, Hi-Fi and high definition audio, cricket, reading, coffee, playing sport with his kids and watching them play sports. In terms of Marlborough wine, he’s drawn to a good glass of Chardonnay and is very interested in sub-regional vs. regional Sauvignon Blanc wines.

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Loren Coffey

Events manager

Born in Marlborough Loren has spent half her life as an Australian, before returning back to the town she calls home. Loren has completed multiple vintages within New Zealand and Australia and has a wide range of experience within the wine industry from production and logistics to marketing and events.

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Vance Kerslake

Advocacy manager

Vance is originally from Wellington where he split his time between central government and the private sector. He enjoys all Marlborough wines and has a geeky interest in wild fermentation.

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Sarah Linklater

Marketing & communications manager

Sarah has brand management experience working for Marlborough wineries. Her family are grape growers and she spends her spare time developing a wine brand and raising two young children.

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Joanna May

Finance administrator

Born and bred in Marlborough, Jo knows just how much there is to love about this region. She is a true advocate of our wine and food and loves nothing more than showing them off to family and friends. While she enjoys all wines, she is most partial to Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

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Who we are
The Board

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Tom Trolove

Managing Director Framingham Wines

WM CHAIR

Tom was keen to be a member of Wine Marlborough’s board, because he wanted to see the industry continue to prosper and grow in a sustainable way. “It is too easy to sit on the side lines and criticize, much harder to get involved and make a difference and that’s what I am trying to do.”

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Ben Ensor

Director Tyntesfield

Born and bred in Marlborough, Ben is passionate about the wine industry and was keen to become more involved. “I want to be a part of ensuring that Marlborough wine continues to grow and add value to both growers and wineries alike.”

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Callum Linklater

Windrush Vineyard

Callum is openly proud of what the Marlborough wine industry produces, He believes it is vital for companies and growers to be cohesive, to ensure successful outcomes. “I am dedicated to representing growers on the Marlborough Winegrowers board the best way possible.”

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Beth Forrest

General Manager, Forrest Wines

Beth is a proud second generation family winemaker with Forrest Wines. She says being part of the board provides her with an opportunity to be part of protecting the premium persona of Marlborough wine. “We are a young but world-leading wine region and if we continue to support the drive, passion and enthusiasm of our members we will be here for many generations to come.”

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Nick Entwistle

Winery Operations Manager, Wairau River Wines

Nick is an avid supporter of the Marlborough wine industry. Describing the wines produced here as world-class, he says the industry needs to ensure its premium reputation is not only protected but given the means to grow. “Sustainability and innovation are crucial to our ongoing success, as is the need to identify and develop our future industry leaders.”

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Tracy Johnston

Co-owner

Davinleigh Vineyards

Tracy is a destination marketer and says Marlborough’s reputation as an internationally acclaimed wine region is a key driver of visitation to the area. “I believe there is greater potential to further develop high-value wine tourism experiences that will both attract visitors and turn them into life-long loyal customers of Marlborough wine.”

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Jamie Marfell

Chef winemaker Stoneleigh

Pernod Ricard Winemakers

After entering the wine industry in 1990, Jamie joined Montana as a trainee winemaker. With a couple of decades now under his belt he has witnessed an industry that has shown unprecedented growth, in both volume and value. “With my experiences in winemaking, understanding of our global markets, and a personal passion for the industry, I want to ensure that Marlborough grows in a sustainable way, ensuring our winemaking community is supported and well informed.”

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Kirsty Harkness

Managing Director Mount Base Vineyards

Kirsty has been a grape grower in the Marlborough region since 2007. Her businesses also include a photography agency, hemp growing and other commercial interests. Kirsty loves being a part of the Marlborough wine industry, and is excited to see the region develop further in time with focus on quality fruit, land and people.

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Gus Altschwager

A&K Wines

Gus believes Marlborough is a special place to grow wine, a unique offering that is unmatched internationally. He has joined the board to ensure support systems are improved for the local people and businesses that make this region the success story it is. "I would like to ensure we are advocating for key issues challenging Marlborough and that our voice is being heard by the people who can make a difference."

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Anna Laugesen

Craiglochart Vineyard

Having worked in wineries in various wine regions around the world Anna came back to Marlborough where she settled with her husband, a sheep and beef farmer. At the end of 2007 she stepped back into the vineyard side of the industry planting vines. "Over that time the industry has shown us that despite what unforeseen challenges are thrown our way with good governance we are able to meet those challenges. I want to help the Marlborough wine region fulfil its potential and ensure that it is left in the best possible position for future generations."