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Mike’s airborne vision was the beginning of Isabel Estate, one of the pioneering Marlborough wineries that unlocked the viticultural potential of the iconic wine region. It remains one of the oldest in the area.

Mike and his wife Robyn built a winery on the site and named it in honour of his mother, Isabel. Their ambition was to produce ultra-premium classic grape varieties that were a true expression of Marlborough. Throughout the 1980s the couple planted key noble varieties Chardonnay followed by Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. The chosen parcel of land delivered fruit of exceptional quality, and it wasn't long before it was in high demand from premium and internationally renowned New Zealand wine producers. In the natural order of things Isabel Estate released its single-vineyard wine in 1994, the Isabel Estate Pinot Noir.

Mike’s airborne vision was the beginning of Isabel Estate, one of the pioneering Marlborough wineries that unlocked the viticultural potential of the iconic wine region. It remains one of the oldest in the area.

Mike and his wife Robyn built a winery on the site and named it in honour of his mother, Isabel. Their ambition was to produce ultra-premium classic grape varieties that were a true expression of Marlborough. Throughout the 1980s the couple planted key noble varieties Chardonnay followed by Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. The chosen parcel of land delivered fruit of exceptional quality, and it wasn't long before it was in high demand from premium and internationally renowned New Zealand wine producers. In the natural order of things Isabel Estate released its single-vineyard wine in 1994, the Isabel Estate Pinot Noir.

In 2001 Mike’s mother, Isabel, coerced him into abandoning his flying career to focus 100 per cent on Isabel Estate including overseeing the development of a new state-of-the-art winery.

Mike may have discontinued his flying career, but his eponymous wine label continues to soar to new heights as Isabel Estate is globally recognised for its high-quality single-vineyard expressions of the Marlborough.

In 2001 Mike’s mother, Isabel, coerced him into abandoning his flying career to focus 100 per cent on Isabel Estate including overseeing the development of a new state-of-the-art winery.

Mike may have discontinued his flying career, but his eponymous wine label continues to soar to new heights as Isabel Estate is globally recognised for its high-quality single-vineyard expressions of the Marlborough.

“People do not decide to become extraordinary; they decide to accomplish extraordinary things.”
Sir Edmund Hillary

In 2005 Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the most celebrated New Zealanders in history, opened the Isabel Estate Cellar Door. Just as Sir Edmund represents excellence in his endeavour to be first to reach the summit of the highest mountain in the world, Isabel Estate represents excellence through its wines of supreme quality and brilliance.

In 2005 Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the most celebrated New Zealanders in history, opened the Isabel Estate Cellar Door. Just as Sir Edmund represents excellence in his endeavour to be first to reach the summit of the highest mountain in the world, Isabel Estate represents excellence through its wines of supreme quality and brilliance.

Our History

1980
Isabel vineyard established. Chardonnay vines planted.
1984
First Pinot Noir vines planted.
1986
First Sauvignon Blanc vines planted.
1988
First Riesling vines planted.
1994
First wine made, Isabel Pinot Noir 750ml.
1995
First Pinot Gris vines planted.
1995
First shipment of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir sent to the UK.
1997
Stage one of the Isabel Estate winery completed.
1998
The first Isabel Estate magnum was bottled and first Isabel Estate wines shipped to the United States and Australia.
2001
Isabel Estate winery extends with the addition of a new bottling line.
2005
Sir Edmond Hillary opened the Isabel Estate Cellar Door. Isabel Estate Sauvignon Blanc served on Emirates Airlines First Class service.
2011
Isabel Estate Sauvignon Blanc 187ml bottles produced for Emirates Airlines for the Rugby World Cup hosted in New Zealand.
2014
Isabel Estate becomes part of Pinnacle Drinks, and channels investment towards building storage and tanks, upgrading and replanting select vineyard lots and upgrading the winery.
2017
Isabel Estate Chardonnay 2016 wins the trophy for Champion Wine of the Show at Air NZ Wine Awards, New Zealand’s most prestigious wine show.

Our Philosophy

“Respect the soil where the grapes grow and allow the expression of the unique characters of each vineyard and variety to shine in the wine.”
Isabel Estate is one of the original Marlborough vineyards. We are part of the fabric that is the heritage of the Marlborough wine region. Our small and dedicated team is 100 per cent focused on single estate wines that deliver on the expression of site and provenance. We are a rarity among new world wineries because while many wines use fruit from several vineyards, growers and regions, Isabel Estate stays true to its roots by creating wines that are 100 per cent grown and bottled within the boundaries of its estate.

Our Philosophy

“Respect the soil where the grapes grow and allow the expression of the unique characters of each vineyard and variety to shine in the wine.”
Isabel Estate is one of the original Marlborough vineyards. We are part of the fabric that is the heritage of the Marlborough wine region. Our small and dedicated team is 100 per cent focused on single estate wines that deliver on the expression of site and provenance. We are a rarity among new world wineries because while many wines use fruit from several vineyards, growers and regions, Isabel Estate stays true to its roots by creating wines that are 100 per cent grown and bottled within the boundaries of its estate.

Our People

Jeremy McKenzie

Chief Winemaker

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.

Jeremy McKenzie

Chief Winemaker

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.

Josh Hammond

Senior Winemaker

Josh was born and raised in Marlborough, becoming the 5th generation to grow up on the family sheep farm, now predominantly planted in grapevines. An early interest in law led Josh to the University of Otago to study a double degree in Law and Chemistry. On completion of his studies, a desire to travel and a growing interest in the wine industry led him to California and Burgundy, where he gained valuable experience working with a range of grape varieties. Set on a career in the wine industry Josh returned to New Zealand to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Oenology and Viticulture at Lincoln University. After working as winemaker in Marlborough, Josh travelled to London where he worked as a winemaker making low intervention wines sold directly to prestigious London restaurants and bars. Josh returned to his roots and joined the Isabel Estate team as winemaker prior to the 2019 harvest.

Josh Hammond

Senior Winemaker

Josh was born and raised in Marlborough, becoming the 5th generation to grow up on the family sheep farm, now predominantly planted in grapevines. An early interest in law led Josh to the University of Otago to study a double degree in Law and Chemistry. On completion of his studies, a desire to travel and a growing interest in the wine industry led him to California and Burgundy, where he gained valuable experience working with a range of grape varieties. Set on a career in the wine industry Josh returned to New Zealand to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Oenology and Viticulture at Lincoln University. After working as winemaker in Marlborough, Josh travelled to London where he worked as a winemaker making low intervention wines sold directly to prestigious London restaurants and bars. Josh returned to his roots and joined the Isabel Estate team as winemaker prior to the 2019 harvest.