Rapaura, Marlborough
Minimal Intervention Winemaker: James Macdonald

Not nearly enough credit is given to Hunters Wines of Marlborough. In 1979 Irishman Ernie Hunter arrived in Blenheim, where the land was predominantly used for sheep grazing and a couple of commercial crops and a winery or 2. Ernie planted vines and was winning International awards almost immediately. The first 6 wines produced in 1982 were all award winners and the Muller Thurgau Dry won Gold at the 1986 National Wine Show in London, thus turning the spotlight on the region.

In 1984 he married Jane a viticulturist from SA and together they laid the foundations for a fiercely independent, market leading & consistent award winning winery.

These days Jane’s nephew James is the wine maker tweaking tradition with modern tech while maintaining the steady flow of awards and accolades.