Pure Sauvignon Blanc. Pure Marlborough.
When a grape and a place come together perfectly, what unfolds in the glass is magic. We’ve been growing Sauvignon Blanc on New Zealand’s South Island long enough to know it’s not exactly magic—it’s a force of nature. Echo Bay Sauvignon Blanc comes from the Rapaura region—the very heart of Marlborough’s Golden Mile—where stony soils and brilliant sunshine bring this grape variety to the pinnacle of its expression.
Our Sauvignon Blanc grapes are primarily sourced from a sustainably farmed site where the variety was first planted more than 15 years ago. Guided by legendary global winemaker and New Zealand native Nick Goldschmidt, we craft a Sauvignon Blanc that is bright, crisp and purely Marlborough. Proudly certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, ours is the only New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to earn Wine Spectator’s coveted “Top Value” designation back-to-back for two consecutive vintages.
Nick Goldschmidt, Winemaker
Born in Auckland, native New Zealander Nick Goldschmidt is a highly respected winemaker whose wealth of experience and expertise has been built over the course of nearly 40 harvests. After completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Canterbury, Goldschmidt went on to achieve a Distinction in Horticulture at the New Zealand Lincoln University. It was there, in 1982, that his wine career began in earnest with a research position in addition to his horticultural studies. Goldschmidt’s impressive academic achievements continued with Viticultural Studies at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, New Zealand, and Enology Studies at the high-acclaimed Roseworthy program at South Australia’s Adelaide University. While his academic background in wine is robust, Goldschmidt’s true passion lies in the hands-on work that takes place in the vineyards and in the cellars, caring for the vines and crafting exceptional wines.
During his tenure as a student, Goldschmidt worked at world-famous wineries in New Zealand including Kumeu River, Babich and Coopers Creek, mastering an array of grape varietals at historic fine wine estates. Goldschmidt also gained valuable international experience, spending 18 months making wine across Australia, South America, and California, including time at Simi Winery and Carneros Creek Winery, among others. Finally, in 1989, Goldschmidt was appointed Head Winemaker at Caliterra in Chile. He went on to begin Goldschmidt Vineyards with his wife Yolyn, releasing their first vintage in 2002. Over the years, he has served as a trusted winemaking consultant to wineries spanning the globe.
Today, as Winemaker for Echo Bay, Goldschmidt lends his passion for the vineyards, dedication to innovation and development of new cellar technologies, and interest in sustainability and organics to this carefully crafted New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
