Auntsfield Estate

Auntsfield Estate is Marlborough’s pioneering winery. It was founded in 1892 by David Herd, a man of great imagination and a deep love for wine. He was the first to recognize the potential of Marlborough and became the founding father of viticulture in this now world-renowned region. He saw the unique combination of soil, climate, and landscape and knew: this is the perfect place for growing wine.

Today, Auntsfield Estate is run by brothers Ben and Luc Cowley and is renowned for its outstanding, handcrafted Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. All grapes come from the estate’s own vineyards, which benefit from the region’s distinctive climate and soils. The vineyard area is divided into more than 50 small, unique parcels, each planted with carefully selected clones. But the true secret lies beneath the surface: a geological fault line runs through the estate — a remnant of ancient earthquakes and glaciers. These forces have created a unique soil composed of mineral-rich greywacke rock and a thin layer of the finest loess dust.

It is within this shallow layer of earth that the vine roots anchor themselves. They absorb the soil’s distinctive characteristics, imparting the wines with their signature ripeness, texture, and unmistakable minerality. The goal of Auntsfield Estate is to craft wines that reflect the unique expression of their terroir. Through meticulous vineyard care and gentle winemaking, they create wines that captivate with their aroma, depth, and charm.