20 Years.
20 Vintages.
A journey worth celebrating.
Twenty years ago, we set out with a simple vision: to craft wines of exceptional quality that reflect the unique character of Marlborough.
From our beginnings in the Waihopai Valley, the journey has been shaped by place, people and an unwavering commitment to quality. As we celebrate 20 years of Catalina Sounds, we're taking a moment to reflect on where we've come from and look ahead to what's next.
Our story is intrinsically linked to Marlborough. Inspired by the dramatic waterways of the Marlborough Sounds and the iconic Catalina flying boats that once traversed the region, our name reflects both the landscape and history that continue to influence everything we do.
Today, that sense of place remains at the heart of our wines.
"Marlborough gives us extraordinary raw material; the environment does most of the talking and it's genuinely the reason why our wines taste the way they do," says winemaker Matthew Ward.
Over the past two decades, we've developed a deeper understanding of the vineyards, subregions, and microclimates that make Marlborough one of the world's great wine regions. At the centre of this journey is our Sound of White Vineyard in the Waihopai Valley, which continues to form the backbone of our flagship Sauvignon Blanc.
"The vision has never wavered," says Matt. "Our roots are deeply set in the Waihopai Valley, where we planted the vineyard that is now mature and producing stunning fruit. As a team, we understand much more about Marlborough, the subregions, individual sites, microclimates and how each influences the style of our wines."
That knowledge has allowed us to refine our approach with every vintage. While Sauvignon Blanc remains the heart of Catalina Sounds, our focus has always been on crafting wines with texture, balance and a genuine sense of place.
"I'm chasing restraint, nuance and texture, creating something that holds and builds your interest rather than just announcing itself in the first sip and being done."
That philosophy was recognised on the international stage in 2025 when our 2024 Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc was awarded Sauvignon Blanc of the Year at the London Wine Competition.
"Winning Sauvignon Blanc of the Year at the 2025 London Wine Competition for our 2024 vintage. Two decades in the making, it landed at exactly the right moment."
The accolade followed another significant achievement, with our 2023 Sound of White Chardonnay taking home the Chardonnay Trophy at the New Zealand International Wine Show, highlighting the growing strength of Chardonnay in Marlborough and the potential of our estate vineyard.
Yet for us, the greatest achievement is something less tangible.
"When someone opens a bottle of Catalina Sounds anywhere in the world, what's in that glass is a true reflection of this place. It's honest, it's true to its site, and that integrity is the thing I hope people taste."
As we celebrate twenty years, we're proud of how far we've come, but even more excited about where we're headed.
"What excites me most is that we're only just starting to figure out what this place can do," says Matt.
Twenty years and twenty vintages have laid the foundation. The next chapter is already underway.
To everyone who has supported us along the way, thank you for being part of the Catalina Sounds story.
Explore our wines and subscribe to our newsletter for new releases, winemaker insights and updates at catalinasounds.co.nz. Follow us on Instagram @catalinasounds and Facebook at Catalina Sounds.
