When Irishman Ernie Hunter arrived in New Zealand, Marlborough was in the early stages of becoming a potential wine growing region. The land was primarily used for farming: growing lucerne, barley and grazing sheep.

The ever-enthusiastic Ernie, purchased farming land in Blenheim and planted Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Müller Thurgau, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and of course, Sauvignon Blanc.

Hunter's Winery is built on Rapaura Road (the 'Golden Mile' of Marlborough) and the first six Hunter’s Wines to emerge were all award winners in the National Wine Show (and so the story began!)

Jane Hunter (nee Arnold), a young South Australian was appointed to the position of National Viticulturist for Montana Wines based in Blenheim. Jane and Ernie met and married in 1984.

Hunter's surprised the wine world by winning The Sunday Times Vintage Festival in the UK with the 1985 Fumé Blanc (an oak aged Sauvignon Blanc). Articles about Marlborough began appearing in wine magazines and Hunter's Chardonnay made Decanter's Best Wines List. The world was taking notice.

Only five years after producing his first six award winning wines Ernie was tragically killed in a motor accident. Jane, herself a highly qualified viticulturist, took over the reins immediately. Through her strong determination, she resolved to build on the vineyard's proven potential and success.

Marlborough saw a big rush of investment in vineyards. Smaller wineries gradually appeared and Marlborough became a wine destination. Hunter's export sales soared.

Hunter's 1989 Sauvignon Blanc won the UK Decanter Best Sauvignon in world, a huge milestone for a small Marlborough Winery.

Began production of Domaine Chandon Marlborough Cuvee under the guidance of the late Dr Tony Jordan. Released Hunter’s their first sparkling wine, Hunter’s Brut.

Jane's brother-in-law Peter Macdonald moved from Australia in 1991 to help -run Hunter's as general manager, thus solidifying the family business.

Jane was awarded an OBE for services to New Zealand viticulture by Dame Catherine Tizard.

MiruMiru™ Non Vintage was launched at NZ House, London and awarded the James Rogers Trophy at IWSC for best wine in its first year of production in the UK market.

Hunter's Wines win the Marlborough Rural Environment award for the establishment of the woodlot area into native dry land planting, incorporating the effective utilization of winery waste water.

Exactly 25 years after taking over managing Hunter's Wines Jane was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to viticulture.

Jane was inducted into the NZ Wine Hall of Fame at a ceremony at the 2013 Easter Wine Show Awards, the first woman to ever have the honour. 

Long time Winemaker, Gary Duke, retires after 20+ years working for Hunter's Wines.

Hunter's become a generational winery with James (winemaker) and Ed Macdonald (production and management) joined the business.

Jane was recognised with the Bi-Annual Wolf Blass AM Award in Canberra, Australia for her contribution to wine, in particular Riesling. The first New Zealander to do so.

Jane Inducted as Fellow of New Zealand Winegrowers. The award recognises the service and dedication of industry members who have made an outstanding contribution to the field. Jane was inducted as a Fellow alongside industry icons Ivan Sutherland and Mark Nobilo at the New Zealand Wine Awards in November 2018.

Jane inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame for her services to the wine industry.

Hunter's is looking to the future with a focus on sustainability and nourishing the land that has allowed the growth of the oldest single-owner winery in the region.