A New Era at Hunter’s

At Hunter’s, we’ve always believed wine is about more than what’s in the glass. It’s about people, land, and legacy. Since 1979, when Ernie and Jane first planted roots here in Marlborough, our family has been dedicated to crafting wines that tell a story. Of place, of independence, and of pioneering spirit.

More than forty years on, we remain Marlborough’s oldest single-family-owned winery. That independence is something we’re deeply proud of, especially in a world where so much is shaped by corporate consolidation. And today, as we enter a new chapter, we’re excited to share how our family story continues to evolve.

Jane, who has guided Hunter’s with vision and determination for decades, is beginning to hand the reins to her nephews, James and Edward Macdonald. Together, they’re bringing new energy to our winery while honouring the values that have always defined us. As James puts it, “This is not about reinventing the wheel. It’s about carrying forward the integrity, independence, and spirit of Hunter’s in a way that speaks to the next generation.”

With this transition comes refreshed branding across our three ranges:

The Estate Range is the heart of who we are, showcasing Marlborough’s signature varietals through award-winning, classic wines.

MiruMiru™ is our méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, named after the Te Reo Māori word for “bubbles,” a fitting reflection of their celebratory nature.

Offshoot is our space to experiment with small-batch, modern expressions like single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

Sustainability has always been at the core of what we do and it's something we will continue to champion and work to improve.  All our vineyards and winery operations are fully SWNZ-certified, and our vineyard practices follow regenerative principles from reducing herbicides to planting thousands of native species to restore biodiversity.

We’ve also made big steps in packaging. In 2023, we transitioned to lighter bottles, reducing our footprint by an estimated 41 tonnes a year. Today, more than 95 percent of our bottles are “lightweight,” made with at least 40 percent recycled glass, with a goal of reaching 70 percent. Every label is FSC-accredited, and with all our bottling done on-site, we can carefully manage waste and recycling.

While we’ve collected plenty of awards over the years, what matters most to us is not the count, but the pursuit, making wines that reflect our land, our people, and the pioneering spirit that first put Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc on the world stage.

We’re proud of where we’ve been, and even prouder of where we’re going. This next chapter is about balance, honouring our heritage while embracing the future, and continuing to share the best of Marlborough with wine lovers everywhere.

Here’s to what comes next.

— The Hunter’s Family