Spy Valley

2008 was another massive year for Spy Valley. In August the Sauvignon Blanc won the trophy for under £10 New Zealand Sauvignons at the Decanter World Wine Awards and if that wasn't enough, Spy Valley also won New Zealand Producer of the Year at the IWSC Awards in October. Phew... the dry cleaning bill for the tuxedo was a bit eye-watering! In truth it was no more than Blair Gibb and his team deserved, as this is one of New Zealand's smartest operations.

The grapes that do all the hard work come from 360 hectares of estate vineyards in the lower Waihopai Valley and from select vineyard sites in Marlborough's Wairau and Southern Valley areas. From there it's up to chief winemaker, Paul Bourgeois, and a high-tech winery that wouldn't look so far out of place in the background of another famous spy's adventures. As well as having full temperature controls in every room, machine, pot and pan as well as lots of other gadgets, it's situated right in the middle of the estate, ensuring very sensitive handling of fruit before crushing.