How would you describe your approach to winemaking? For me, everything begins with the vineyard. My goal is for the wines to express the unique character of the site. I take a patient, low-intervention approach – especially with chardonnay and pinot noir – allowing the wines to evolve naturally. Fermentation with natural yeasts is a key part of that process, helping preserve the authenticity and individuality of each vintage.

While Marlborough is best known for sauvignon blanc, which variety do you think deserves more attention? I’d say chardonnay. Not just because Isabel Estate has exceptional old-vine plantings – it’s that Marlborough, when handled with care, produces chardonnay of truly world-class quality. It often flies under the radar, but the potential here is outstanding.

What’s your outlook on Marlborough’s future as a wine-producing region over the next ten years? The coming decade will be pivotal for Marlborough’s standing on the world stage. While sauvignon blanc will always be our cornerstone, it’s crucial that we uphold quality, manage volumes wisely, and avoid being typecast as a one-dimensional region. As global tastes continue to shift, trade and consumers alike – both in New Zealand and abroad – are looking for diversity. Offering a broader range of exceptional wines will be essential to ensuring Marlborough’s relevance and long-term success.

What’s on the horizon for Isabel Estate? Any new projects or innovations in the works? We’re constantly looking for ways to evolve our style and craft wines that connect with a global audience. Right now, we’re trialling clay vessels with both chardonnay and sauvignon Blanc to enhance texture and add new layers of complexity. We’re also working with new pinot noir clones to boost concentration and vibrancy. On top of that, we’ve planted a small block of syrah – and the early results are really promising. There’s a lot to be excited about as we continue to explore what this site is capable of.

After gaining experience globally, what attracted you to Isabel Estate? I've always been inspired by places that have a clear identity and offer the opportunity to craft something meaningful that brings people enjoyment. Isabel Estate’s commitment to a single-vineyard approach was a big draw card. That level of authenticity and connection to the land speaks to me deeply – and Isabel embodies that completely.

What do you appreciate most about Isabel Estate’s vineyard and plantings? What stands out to me is the harmony between sustainable and organic practices – it’s a thoughtful approach that respects both the land and the craft of winemaking. The vineyard’s heritage is also remarkable. With 40-year-old Mendoza chardonnay, a diverse selection of Pinot Noir clones, and some of the region’s rare Bordeaux-style Sauvignon Blanc clones, the site brings a unique depth and variety to the wines.

How do you define sustainability at Isabel Estate? At Isabel, sustainability is an all-encompassing philosophy; it goes beyond vineyard practices to include how we look after the land, support our team, and engage with the broader community. We follow a circular model that includes a robust composting system, interrow planting, native vegetation, and solar power generated on-site. We also partner with local farmers, inviting their Awatere Valley merino sheep to graze in the vineyard during winter. It's about building a balanced system that nurtures as much as it produces, with intentional decisions guiding every part of the process.

About Jeremy McKenzie

Award-winning winemaker, Jeremy McKenzie is a seasoned Marlborough expert who focuses on crafting wine that reflects the true terroir at Isabel Estate. Growing up on a farm in Hawarden in the Canterbury region, Jeremy is a real Kiwi hunter-gatherer, action man and winemaker. After completing his studies, a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Post Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology, Jeremy’s knowledge and passion took him to industry roles in France, Australia, Canada and the USA where he gained extensive winemaking experience at some of the leading wineries in the world. Jeremy has brought his passion to craft exceptional quality wines along with his wealth of international knowledge, home to Marlborough to continue his endless pursuit of winemaking perfection at Isabel Estate. In 2022, Jeremy was awarded 'Winemaker of the Year' at The National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand.