Cloudy Bay Vineyards Ltd New Zealand Wineries Marlborough Wineries Blenheim Wineries Welcome

Cloudy Bay Vineyards Ltd

Welcome

Cloudy Bay Vineyards was established in 1985 by Cape Mentelle, the Western Australian winery, which today is a subsidiary of champagne house Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin.

The company farms 140 hectares of vines at three carefully selected sites. Vineyards planted in 1986 surround the winery in the Wairau Valley at Rapaura, with additional plantings at nearby Renwick and in the Brancott Valley, in the southern foothills. Five long term contract growers also work closely with Cloudy Bay.

The main varieties grown are sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir with lesser quantities of riesling and gewurztraminer. The average annual crush is 1200 tonnes.

The winery takes its name from the bay at the eastern extremity of the Wairau Valley. It was named Cloudy Bay by Captain Cook on his voyage to New Zealand in 1770.

The wines of Cloudy Bay are exported to 20 countries worldwide, the principal markets being Australia, United Kingdom, USA, Europe and Japan. Cloudy Bay will continue to expand its operations and the company believes that the continued success of Marlborough lies in the production of premium wines from varieties best suited to the region.