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The Marlborist co-founder Richard Ellis
Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2027 committee member Richard Ellis hopes international visitors to the event, to be held at Wairau, Marlborough from 2-4 February 2027, will leave with a deeper appreciation of New Zealand wine.
Meanwhile, the country's Sauvignon producers will leave "energised by the possibilities that still lie ahead for the variety".
Sauvignon Blanc is... New Zealand's great wine success story. It captured the world's attention, and what excites me now is that we're still discovering its potential, with increasingly distinctive expressions emerging from different subregions, sites and winemaking techniques.
When I make Sauvignon... I am consistently thinking about how to create a wine that leaves no doubt in anyone's mind that New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is one of the world's greats. I've been lucky enough to try some truly mind-bending examples from around the world, which frankly blew me away and opened my eyes to just how rich, complex, and diverse the variety can be. If I can create wines that spark curiosity, conversation and a sense of 'holy shit, I didn't know they could do that in Marlborough', I'd be chuffed!
SBNZ27 is important because... it marks more than 50 years since the first Sauvignon Blanc vines were planted in Marlborough. It's an opportunity to celebrate the vision and hard work of the pioneers who established the region, while also exploring the now, the new and the future. For me, that means a deeper conversation around provenance, authenticity and diversity within our wines.
I expect the event to... inspire people. We'll be showcasing wines that challenge expectations and broaden perspectives on what Sauvignon Blanc can be. If we do our job well, the conversation won't just be about Sauvignon Blanc - it will be about Marlborough and New Zealand as world-class fine wine regions with real confidence in their place on the global stage.
A favourite Sauvignon-food match is... a dish I enjoyed recently at a beautiful little restaurant in Japan - octopus, tomato, citrus and fresh goat cheese paired with our own Sauvignon Blanc. It was a sublime combination!
I'm passing the Q&A baton to fellow committee member... Ben Tombs of Craggy Range. With a presence across New Zealand's key wine regions, Craggy Range has a uniquely broad view of our industry, and I'm looking forward to Ben's perspective.
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