Go Beyond The Glass At Cloudy Bay’s Dreamy New Zealand Winery

When wine lovers think to plan a wine-centric trip, the likes of Napa, Tuscany, and Bordeaux are what presumably come to mind. But consider New Zealand the unsung – uncorked, even! – destination for world class wine, with a side helping of warm hospitality and natural wonder.

The Marlborough region, located in the northeast of the South Island, is a leader in the country’s winemaking industry- particularly when it comes to Sauvignon Blanc.

For most of the 20th century, Marlborough was relatively unknown in terms of grape growing. It wasn’t until the turn of the century that it exploded as one of the most prolific regions for Sauvignon Blanc in the world. Pioneering this new frontier was Cloudy Bay, one of the first five wineries in the region upon its establishment in 1985. Cloudy Bay and its now market-famous Sauvignon Blanc are often credited with introducing the wine world to New Zealand.

In the past few decades, Cloudy Bay has become a household name, expanding its portfolio to include white, red, and sparkling wines. Today, Cloudy Bay offers Sauvignon Blanc ($35 USD), Pinot Noir ($50 USD), Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc ($65 USD), and Te Wahi Pinot Noir ($85), as well as Chardonnay, sparkling Pelorus, and Sparkling Pelorus Rosé, which are not yet available in the U.S.

At home in Marlborough, however, Cloudy Bay’s winery offers even more- a full-on immersive experience.

There’s Jack’s Raw Bar, for one, led by chef Toby Stuart, where guests can enjoy local, seasonal produce, fresh oysters and Cloudy Bay clams, which are beloved by the locals. For private experiences, guests can pair their tastings with a tour of the vineyards, either by car or helicopter, or enjoy other one-of-a-kind exhibitions including a sailboat tour of the Marlborough Sounds. Cloudy Bay’s winery is a hub of hospitality that’ll make your trip to New Zealand truly unforgettable.

Every trip to Cloudy Bay winery must start at the Cellar Door, where guests can view and taste the full portfolio. Guided by their team of experts, visitors can opt for a private tasting, explore the blending rooms, or simply relax in the expansive gardens with views over the Richmond Ranges – which serve as the visual inspiration behind Cloudy Bay’s iconic label.

If you’re looking to extend the magic, you can hang your hat right on-site at The Shack – a stunning, private hideaway on the vineyard grounds. Designed by award-winning New Zealand architects, The Shack features all natural materials and Kiwi-inspired art and design, honoring local tradition in every respect.

Bookable via Cloudy Bay’s website, The Shack houses up to five people, and the stay includes a vineyard tour, wine tasting, and a private dinner for the group.

“We’re very proud of the holistic experience we’ve built at Cloudy Bay for our visitors,” said Kat Mason, Communications Manager at Cloudy Bay Vineyards. “Whether you’re coming internationally for an extended stay, or just visiting the region for a day, we want to ensure that we make a lasting impression.”

Now that’s a reason to make sure that your trip to New Zealand includes a visit- and ideally an overnight stay- at Cloudy Bay.