SPY VALLEY

The 1990s were a time of discovery and courage in Marlborough. Deep in the Waihopai Valley, Bryan and Jan Johnson had the audacity to establish 180 hectares of estate vineyards on land considered too hard, too dry and too unfertile for wine.It was a venture that started with a passion for the land. This pioneering spirit established one of New Zealand’s most successful family-run wineries, now exporting eight varietals to 35 countries.Today, Spy Valley’s commitment remains to the land and to the people who tend it – we are simply farmers at heart, nurturing soil and vine to cultivate the complexities in our wine. And we’re mindful that it’s our focus on sustainability which will ensure our guardianship of this land for generations to come.

Wendy is an internationally acclaimed winemaker whose career has taken her all over the world. Originally from South Australia, Wendy first trained as a radiographer before deciding to switch careers and enrol at Roseworthy Agricultural College to learn about wine.When it comes to Wendy’s winemaking approach, she strongly believes the wines must show a sense of place. Her accolades as a winemaker are prestigious and numerous, winning many gold medals and industry honours over her winemaking career. In addition to the accolades received for her wines, she has been recognised as one of the Top 20 Most Admired Winemakers in the North American wine industry and included in intowine.com’s Top 100 Most Influential US Winemakers. Wendy also has extensive experience as a judge in wine competitions worldwide.