The Marlborist is a contemporary winery based in Marlborough, dedicated to producing expressive and elegant wines that reflect the region's unique characteristics. It was co-founded by good friends Richard Ellis, Stuart Dudley and David Nash, a team of next-generation winemakers with extensive experience working alongside Marlborough's pioneering winegrowers.

The same team are also co-founders of sister company Alpine Rift, which makes an elegant Sauvignon Blanc in an interpretation of the classic Marlborough style.
Drawing on their intimate knowledge of the region, they source fruit from some of Marlborough’s most revered vineyards and create a range that shines a ‘modern light on classic varieties’.

Climate and soil conditions in Marlborough are well understood to be uniquely suited to wine making, but less apparent are the effects of differing soil types and micro climates within the region. This is where The Marlborist’s approach is born (an approach mirrored in Alpine Rift). Their growers include Auntsfield (Ben Morven), Linklater (Renwick), Cobden Farm (Awatere), Stevenson (Rapaura), and Joval (Waihopai).

Such quality fruit from experienced growers (operating sustainable practices), working a variety of special sites, allows them to craft wines that showcase place and season, offering an alternative view of Marlborough winegrowing. “It’s about celebrating Marlborough wine, Stuart says, “and to do that you really have to be reflecting the vineyard sites”.

They also celebrate seasonal differences, and by adopting a gentle wine making approach, they allow those variations to emerge.