Astrolabe

Marlborough

Astrolabe Wines is a family-owned and operated winery in Marlborough, New Zealand, who are acknowledged as one of New Zealand's best Sauvignon Blanc producers. Founded in 1996 by winemaker Simon Waghorn and his wife Jane and later joined by their two daughters, Arabella and Libby, the two generations work closely together today.

Astrolabe's vineyards are spread across Marlborough's sub-regions, including the Awatere Valley, Wairau Valley, and Kēkerengū Coast. This diverse terroir allows the winery to craft wines that express the unique characteristics of each site.

The winery follows organic viticulture programme and is certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ). Astrolabe is also carbon zero certified with Toitū, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Winemaker and Director

Simon Waghorn

Simon Waghorn is a seasoned winemaker with over four decades of experience in the wine industry.

Throughout his career, Simon has honed his craft, establishing a benchmark style of Sauvignon Blanc that reflects an unparalleled diversity of vineyard sources. His approach involves careful site selection, expert picking decisions, delicate fruit handling, and astute blending, resulting in wines that are focused, balanced, and elegant, and define Astrolabe.
Important too, is his commitment to organic growing, and limited intervention in the winery, both of which contribute to the purity of the wines.

Simon is renowned for producing exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, with Bob Campbell MW describing Simon as "New Zealand's leading Sauvignon Blanc maker." He crafts a range of beautiful wines that are celebrated for their elegance and balance, capturing the intensity and brightness of Marlborough's fruit.

Sustainability in Action

As owners and of Astrolabe, the Waghorns can put into practice their belief that they must work actively to protect and nurture their environment. 100% of Astrolabe’s operations are certified by Sustainable Winegrowing NZ. Astrolabe Farm and Wrekin vineyard are certified organic vineyards with BioGro NZ.

Astrolabe Wines is also certified net carbon zero through Toitu. This programme provides them with the tools to measure and monitor their carbon footprint annually. For the last three years, they have achieved carbon neutrality through a combination of reduction measures and off-setting.

All grapes are sourced from ten families who live on their land and farm sustainably. Many of the relationships they have with our growers are more than twenty years old. Each vineyard was chosen for the distinctive flavour it produces.