Saint Clair Family Estate celebrated success at the Marlborough Wine Show receiving an amazing five trophies! The pinnacle being when founders’ Neal and Judy Ibbotson were the who were awarded The Wine Marlborough Lifetime Achievement Award for services to the development of the Marlborough wine industry.
A celebratory ‘long lunch’ event was held Friday 30 th October where the trophy winners were announced. Saint Clair was also awarded the following trophies;
TROPHY – Label and Litho Champion Pinot Gris – Saint Clair Godfrey’s Creek Reserve Pinot Gris 2018
TROPHY – TNL Freighting New Zealand Champion Other White Varietal – Saint Clair Pioneer Block 5 Bull Block Grüner Veltliner 2020
TROPHY – The Coterie Wine of Provenance – Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2020
TROPHY – Marlborough Museum Legacy Award – Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Chardonnay 2007, 2013, 2016
TROPHY – Wine Marlborough Lifetime Achievement Award – Neal and Judy Ibbotson, Saint Clair Family Estate
Neal and Judy Ibbotson are viticulture pioneers in the region having moved their pig farm out of the way to plant their first vineyard in 1978. Initially growing for local wine companies they branched to produce their own branded Saint Clair wine in 1984 which has subsequently become one of New Zealand’s leading New Zealand wine brands.
Neal and Judy’s daughters Sarina and Julie attended the event and Julie commented “we were definitely not expecting this, and the trophies we were awarded are absolutely amazing, however the highlight was definitely seeing our parents receive such a prestigious trophy in recognition of their contribution towards the Marlborough wine industry. They have lived and breathed wine since I was a toddler and we have watched them work incredibly hard over the years committing themselves not only to the Saint Clair business but also the Marlborough wine industry in general. It is pleasing to see recognition given to Mum and Dad and their outstanding efforts and dedication to producing quality wine.”
Producing a quality wine comes from an entire team effort. The Saint Clair team consistently achieve great results across multiple wine shows reflecting and further cementing the company’s status as a leading New Zealand wine producer.
