Saint Clair Family Estate New Zealand Winery of the Year 2020

Saint Clair Family Estate is proud to announce another outstanding trophy success; “New Zealand Winery of the Year” from Winestate Magazine. This is the fifth time in the last decade that the family-owned Marlborough winery has been awarded the New Zealand Winery of the Year trophy with Winestate (2020, 2017, 2014, 2011, 2010). 

This prestigious award is based on judging of wines over the previous 12 months with Winestate. Saint Clair’s consistently high ratings over this time reflects their quality commitment across a wide range of varietals and price points. 

Managing Director Neal Ibbotson is thrilled with the announcement and acknowledges “this win is the result of efforts across a wide group of people. It would not be possible without the quality fruit that is received at the winery. Our expert winemaking team have the desired wine in mind when processing the fruit and the ultimate aim is to produce the best wine possible. The entire team has quality at the forefront of their mind and this runs throughout all facets of the business”.

The trophy will be displayed proudly in the winery to acknowledge the efforts and expertise of the Saint Clair team. Winning awards such as this further cements the companies reputation as a leading New Zealand wine producer.

Saint Clair Family Estate is owned by Neal and Judy Ibbotson, viticulture pioneers in Marlborough since 1978. Grapes were originally supplied to local wine companies; however a desire to extend the quality achieved in the vineyard through to the finished wine led to the establishment of Saint Clair Family Estate in 1994.

The Saint Clair name originates from the vineyard property, first settled by the Sinclair family. Pioneer James Sinclair built one of the first homes in Blenheim and was closely associated with the early development of the town. Over time the name of the property reverted to the original Saint Clair.

The company’s mission is to create world-class wines that exceed their customers’ every expectation. Neal Ibbotson combines his extensive viticultural expertise plus Marlborough’s mix of climate and soils with the talent of one of New Zealand’s leading winemaking teams.