Now in its 37th year, Cloudy Bay is singularly responsibly for the now international reputation of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and yet amazingly, the first commercial vines were only planted in 1973. This seminal winery was the brainchild of David Hohnen of Cape Mentelle, Western Australia who was convinced of the fledging region’s potential to produce great wine.
Established in 1985, initially with bought in grapes and made under contract, his was one of the first five brands in Marlborough. Little could he have imagined that his varietal Sauvignon Blanc would find such favour on export markets and a cult-like fan base from wine drinkers who had never been exposed to the alluring tropical aromas and intense refreshment that this new terroir provided.
