The Marris-owned, Marisco Vineyards continues to push the boundaries of winemaking with its new generation winery in Blenheim.
Founder Brent Marris grew up on some of the first vineyards in Marlborough, planted by his father. As a young winemaker he was responsible for the development of two major brands: Oyster Bay and, subsequently, Wither Hills as owner and creator.
The family sold out of Wither Hills in the early 2000s and developed other brands, such as The Ned and The King’s Series labels.
In New Zealand Marisco Vineyards wines are distributed by Lion Nathan. However, more than 80% of its wine is exported.
The vineyard’s first overseas sales were made to Australia in 2010. Marisco then moved into the US, Canada and China in 2011, and has since built relationships in Norway and Sweden.
Only five years after releasing its first wine, Marisco Vineyards was crowned New Zealand Winery of the Year at the 2011 International Wine & Spirits Challenge.
Since winning that accolade, the company has continued to build its vineyard resource and winemaking expertise and its move into using technology to drive change is led by daughter and production winemaker Emma Marris.
In 2012, Brent and wife Rosemary bought a large 5200ha station, Leefield, in the Waihopai Valley, to give greater scale to their operation.
The Marrises are Auckland-based and also have a holiday home on Waiheke Island.
2018: $120 million