Twenty Vintages

Catalina Sounds Celebrates 20 Years in Marlborough

As Catalina Sounds celebrates its 20th anniversary, the award-winning wine brand reflects two decades of crafting site-driven wines from Marlborough's Southern Valleys while looking ahead to the next chapter. Premium Marlborough New Zealand wine producer Catalina Sounds is marking two decades of crafting elegant, site-driven wines that express the unique character of New Zealand's most renowned Sauvignon Blanc wine region. Since its inaugural vintage in 2006, Catalina Sounds has earned a reputation for producing wines that are unmistakably Marlborough, yet distinctly its own. Sourced from select vineyards in Marlborough's Southern Valleys and crafted with a deep respect for provenance, texture and restraint, each vintage reflects an evolving understanding of the land.

Over twenty harvests, the winery has continued to refine its expression of place, capturing the character and nuance of the region it proudly calls home. Named after the iconic Catalina flying boats that once traversed the waterways of the Marlborough Sounds, Catalina Sounds takes its inspiration from both the region’s spectacular landscape and the pioneering spirit that helped shape its identity. For Winemaker Matt Ward, the milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on his winemaking journey while looking ahead with confidence and ambition to the next chapter of the brand’s journey.

"Over the past 20 years we've developed an intimate understanding of our vineyards and how they respond to each season," says Ward. "Our goal has always been to produce wines that reflect where they come from. Marlborough provides extraordinary raw material and we're fortunate to work with sites that consistently deliver fruit with character, purity and vibrancy."

Located in Marlborough's Southern Valleys sub-region, Catalina Sounds' vineyards are defined by ancient alluvial soils of sand, silt and gravel. The diverse vineyard blocks provide a range of flavour profiles and textures that are carefully blended to create wines with complexity and balance. "We're blending distinct expressions of place," says Ward. "I'm particularly interested in creating Sauvignon Blanc with restraint, nuance and texture. Wines that continue to evolve in the glass and hold your attention long after the first sip."

The winery's commitment to quality has recently been recognised on the world stage. Recent accolades include Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc 2024 being named Sauvignon Blanc of the Year at the 2025 London Wine Competition and Sound of White Chardonnay 2023 receiving the Chardonnay Trophy at the 2025 New Zealand International Wine Show.