As the founder of GN Wines, Graham Norton is no stranger to great wine.
This harvest season, Graham Norton took his passion further and joined Invivo Wines’ co-founders, Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron, in Marlborough, New Zealand, to experience the winemaking process firsthand.
Norton rolled up his sleeves in the sunny Awatere Valley, getting hands-on with grape picking, tasting juice samples, and assessing fruit quality with his long-term Invivo winemaker partners, an essential step in crafting the twelfth vintage of his GN Sauvignon Blanc.
“New Zealand produces some of the world’s best sauvignon blanc, in my opinion. It’s incredible to think that what began as a small, limited-edition run of GN New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has grown into a global brand,” said Norton.
“Now, here we are harvesting grapes in Marlborough for our twelfth vintage. I don’t just put my name to the wines - I’m involved in the process, which makes being here in this stunning region for harvest all the more special.”
The long-standing partnership between Norton and Invivo began in 2014 with a single New Zealand sauvignon blanc and has since evolved into an internationally acclaimed wine and spirits portfolio, now including ten products and more than 300 accolades.
GN Wines has become a top-selling brand and has commercial success in multiple markets, including the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, the USA, and Japan.
“Graham has always been hands-on - he tastes, blends, and signs off on every vintage with us to ensure his favourite wine is made to his taste preferences,” said Invivo co-founder and winemaker, Rob Cameron.
“To welcome him to our vineyard and experience the magic of Marlborough firsthand was a real highlight for all of us.”
The visit culminated in a winemaker’s lunch at Harvest Restaurant in Rapaura. The Mayor of Marlborough and local growers hosted the event to celebrate the region’s wine and food produce. Guests dined on a seasonal menu featuring Mills Bay ussels, New Zealand King Salmon, Pinoli Pine Nuts and local Cranky Goat Cheese.
“It was my great pleasure to host Graham Norton and award him the Official Marlborough Grape Ambassador title. Graham is not only a legend and high-profile broadcaster and author but also a strong supporter and advocate for Marlborough sauvignon blanc,” said Mayor Nadine Taylor.
“Our sauvignon blanc is quite a lot like Graham himself – vibrant, refreshing and fun, with razor-sharp acidity. Graham’s visit will do wonders for Marlborough’s profile and keep New Zealand’s premium wine on the international radar.”
During the event, Taylor also presented Graham with the first-of-its-kind 'Grape Ambassador' Award, recognising his long-term advocacy for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and the brand’s global success.
More beverage news here
