2023 Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

Meet Kevin Judd—the man who helped put Marlborough, New Zealand, on the global wine map. Kevin’s journey into the world of winemaking began in England, but his story truly came to life when he made his way to New Zealand in 1983. He was a young winemaker, fresh from his studies in Australia, when he joined Selaks Wines. But it was at Cloudy Bay, where Kevin became the founding winemaker, that his name truly became synonymous with New Zealand’s most celebrated Sauvignon Blancs. Over a 25-year span, Kevin crafted the first 25 vintages of Cloudy Bay, a role that cemented his place in winemaking history.

In 2009, after decades of creating iconic wines, Kevin decided it was time to go his own way, to craft something truly personal. This is where Greywacke was born. Named after the grey river stones that are the backbone of Marlborough’s terroir, Greywacke is all about simplicity, authenticity, and a direct connection to the land. It’s a family affair—Kevin and his wife Kimberley run the winery from their base in Marlborough’s Omaka Valley, with a small team dedicated to crafting wines with personality, depth, and a true sense of place.

What sets Greywacke apart from the rest is the commitment to quality, sustainability, and a ‘hands-on’ approach. Kevin and his team source their grapes from some of the finest vineyards in Marlborough, where the soils are rich in those iconic greywacke stones, giving the wine its unique structure. The focus is on organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking, where wild yeast fermentation adds complexity, creating wines that express not just the fruit, but the soil and the climate in which they’re grown.

While Marlborough is known for producing some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc, Greywacke’s expression stands out from the crowd. This wine isn’t just about bright acidity and grassy notes—no, it’s a refined, balanced, and layered masterpiece that showcases the true potential of Marlborough’s vineyards. With fruit sourced from the Southern Valleys and Wairau Plains, Greywacke’s Sauvignon Blanc bursts with citrus and tropical fruits, yet it carries a rich, textured mouthfeel that’s the hallmark of Kevin’s winemaking. It's an extraordinary example of what happens when you allow the land to speak through the wine.

Fun fact: Kevin Judd is also a highly respected photographer, capturing the breathtaking landscapes of Marlborough, and even publishing books like The Colour of Wine and The Landscape of New Zealand Wine. His stunning photography graces the labels of Greywacke wines, creating a visual connection between the wine in the glass and the natural beauty of the land from which it comes.

With accolades from critics and a growing reputation around the world, Greywacke has become a symbol of New Zealand’s winemaking legacy, with Kevin Judd at the helm, constantly pushing the boundaries of what this region can produce. Kevin’s ethos is simple: make wines with personality, with depth, and with character—and that’s exactly what Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough delivers.