Spy Valley

In ’93, Bryan and Jan Johnson established 125ha of vines in the Waihopai Valley in Marlborough’s sunny Southern Valleys subregion. Initially, all the fruit was sold to Corbans Wines, until the Johnsons launched their eponymous label in ’97. Since ’00, it has mostly gone to what is now the family’s flagship brand, Spy Valley Wine (launched in ’03 by daughter Amanda Johnson) – a nod to the now-decommissioned international satellite communication station down the road from the estate. Today, vineyard plantings have grown to 187ha, and six varieties – sauvignon blanc, riesling, chardonnay, pinot gris, gewürztraminer and pinot noir – are cultivated by Spy Valley’s long-standing viticulturist Adam McCone. Amanda still oversees operations as managing director and, since ’17, the wines have been made by Emily Gaspard-Clark. -ANNA WEBSTER