Hunter’s, one of Marlborough’s most enduring and respected wineries, is entering a bold new chapter. Founded in 1979 by Ernie and Jane Hunter, Hunter’s has long stood as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s winemaking story – it was one of the original champions of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – and a name synonymous with quality, heritage, and innovation.
More than four decades later, Hunter’s remains Marlborough’s oldest single-family-owned winery. It has stayed proudly independent in an industry increasingly shaped by corporate consolidation. Now, the family legacy continues as Jane Hunter, CNMZ OBE, a pioneering figure in the global wine community, begins to pass the reins to her nephews, James and Edward Macdonald.
This generational transition marks a significant evolution for the brand. Under the stewardship of the next generation, Hunter’s is embracing a renewed vision. It is refining its identity in a way that balances its iconic heritage with progressive thinking, sustainability and accessibility. The aim is clear: to preserve the legacy of excellence while evolving the brand for a new wave of wine lovers.
The next chapter begins
The next chapter begins with the launch of refreshed and elevated branding across Hunter’s three distinct wine ranges:
The Estate Range represents the heart of Hunter’s, a collection of classic, multi-award-winning wines that showcase the region’s signature varietals and the family’s enduring commitment to quality.
The MiruMiru™ range is Hunter’s exceptional méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine. MiruMiru™ means “bubbles” in Te Reo Māori, an evocative and fitting name for one of New Zealand’s most celebrated sparkling wines. The range includes three refined expressions:
MiruMiru™ Non-Vintage, MiruMiru™ Rosé Non-Vintage, and the MiruMiru™ Reserve 2020.
The Offshoot range serves as an avenue for experimentation and creativity, offering unique, small-batch wines with a modern edge. The range includes a single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, each crafted to explore new techniques and flavour profiles while maintaining Hunter’s signature finesse.
“This is not about reinventing the wheel,” says James Macdonald. “It is about carrying forward the integrity, independence and spirit of Hunter’s in a way that speaks to the next generation through thoughtful innovation, a premium yet approachable offering and an even deeper commitment to the land that has given us so much.
Sustainability has always been a foundational value at Hunter’s. Since the winery’s inception, quality and environmental responsibility have gone hand in hand. Today, 100 percent of the estate vineyards and winery operations are SWNZ (Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand) certified. Our vineyard practices are guided by regenerative farming principles, including the reduction of herbicide use and the integration of cover crops and livestock. Biodiversity has been improved in our wetland and dryland areas, and 4,000 native plants have been planted across the property to restore and enhance biodiversity.”
Hunter’s has also invested heavily in circular practices and sustainable packaging. The winery conducts all its bottling on-site, allowing greater control over waste and recycling. In 2023, Hunter’s transitioned to lighter 390g bottles, saving an estimated 41 tonnes annually, with over 95 percent of all bottles now classified as “lightweight.” These bottles are made with at least 40 percent recycled glass, a figure the team is actively working to increase to 70 percent. Labels are FSC-accredited, sourced from responsibly managed forests, and all cardboard, glass and paper materials are recycled wherever possible.
Jane Hunter, widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most influential wine figures, remains closely involved. She continues to offer guidance as the family business continues its journey forward. “I’m immensely proud of what we’ve built over the years,” says Hunter. “And I’m equally proud to see the next generation step up with clarity, energy and a vision rooted in both respect and ambition.”
Hunter’s has amassed hundreds of gold medals and a trove of trophies over the decades, though no one seems to keep count anymore. What endures is not the tally, but the pursuit – a steadfast commitment to wines that speak of the land, the people, and the pioneering spirit that first put this family-run winery on the map.
