This Content Is Only For Subscribers
“There’s something truly magical about drinking my own GN Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, in the Marlborough sunshine – it just hits differently,” says Graham Norton, fresh from his visit to the iconic New Zealand wine region, where he was dubbed the region’s first ‘Grape Ambassador’.
Last week, Irish comedian and broadcaster Graham Norton enjoyed a whirlwind day in the picturesque region, getting hands-on with the harvest for his twelfth vintage of GN Sauvignon Blanc, made in collaboration with New Zealand winery Invivo.
Invivo co-founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron relished the opportunity to showcase the very best of Marlborough to their long-time wine partner Graham – sharing not just the vineyards, but also the region’s outstanding food, wine, and hospitality.
Graham 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 next, twelfth, vintage of his GN Sauvignon Blanc.
“New Zealand produces some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc, in my opinion,” says Graham.
“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. 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 visit continued with a winemaker’s lunch at the acclaimed Harvest Restaurant, located at The Marlborough Boutique Hotel & Vineyard- a premium five-star accommodation in Rapaura. Surrounded by local food producers, winemakers, and Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor, the gathering celebrated the best of Marlborough’s wine, food, and warm hospitality.
The seasonal menu featured top regional produce, including Mills Bay Mussels, New Zealand King Salmon, Pinoli Pine Nuts, and Cranky Goat Cheese, with dishes such as poached mussels, salmon with textures of fig, and Mibrasa charred cauliflower steak created by Harvest’s talented culinary team.
“It was my great pleasure to host Graham Norton and award him the title of Official Marlborough Grape Ambassador,” says Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor.
“Graham is not only a legend and high-profile broadcaster and author, he is also a strong supporter and advocate for Marlborough sauvignon blanc.
“In fact, 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.”
Graham himself was thrilled with his new title.
“It’s such an honour to receive the first Grape Ambassador award from the Mayor of Marlborough.
“It turns out that years of drinking, making and talking about Sauvignon Blanc with Invivo Wines has its perks! I’m genuinely touched – and raising a glass to Marlborough!” says Graham.
“We’re confident that the strong partnership between Marlborough’s world-class wine industry and our tourism sector will continue to flourish, showcasing the very best our unforgettable region has to offer on the world stage,” says Destination Marlborough general manager Tracey Green.
