Sauvignon showcase returns after six-year break

Marlborough will once again be the global capital of Sauvignon Blanc when a flagship event returns in 2027.

Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand (SBNZ) was relaunched at the Marlborough Wine & Food Experience on 10 November, ahead of the three-day conference set for 2–4 February 2027 at the ASB Theatre Blenheim and venues across the region.

SBNZ chair and Yealands chief winemaker Natalie Christensen says early interest from local and international participants is encouraging.

“There’s been plenty of change within the local and global Sauvignon Blanc markets over the past six years, but our committee represents a creative cross-section of the region’s interests and expertise,” Natalie says.

She notes Marlborough is currently facing an oversupply after bumper harvests, while global wine consumption trends downward. However, fresh white wines like Sav have remained more stable than many others.

“It’s all very exciting to have planning underway for SBNZ27. Sauvignon is linked with Marlborough, it’s important to many Marlborough livelihoods, and inviting people from around the country and the world here is exciting on a global level to spotlight how we do it here,” she says.

Register your interest at www.sauvignonnz.com.