Introduction

Stoneleigh’s unique stony soils

On the site of a former riverbed on the northern side of Marlborough’s Wairau Valley in New Zealand, the Stoneleigh range takes it name from the abundance of stones that cover the area. The exceptional quality of the wines owes much to these stones. These stones reflect heat up onto the vines enhancing the ripening process and within the soil create the ideal growing environment.

The Stoneleigh vineyard

Located in the heart of Rapaura area and the locally known "Golden Mile" of vineyards the Stoneleigh Vineyard,178 ha, is on the northern side of the Wairau Valley, within 2 km of the Wairau River and the Richmond Ranges. The vineyard has a range of soil types but includes more of the typically stony and recent riverbed soils.

Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris vines can all be found on the Stoneleigh vineyard and the site is home to some of the oldest grafted Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc blocks in Marlborough. Some blocks of these varieties are now over 20 years old.

Stoneleigh's award winning history

1986

New Stoneleigh range of wines launched in New Zealand.

1998

Stoneleigh Marlborough Chardonnay 1996 was named White Wine of the Year at the 1998 International Wine Challenge in London.

Late 1990s

The 1998 and 1999 vintages of Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc collected 'best buy' recommendations from the US magazine Wine Spectator. The wines scored 86 and 87 points respectively.

2000

Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2000 won the gold medal, Champion Sauvignon Blanc Trophy and Champion Commercial White Wine Trophy at the Air New Zealand Awards. The same wine also won gold at New Zealand’s Liquorland Top 100 competition.
Stoneleigh Marlborough Riesling 1999 collected a gold at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards and the Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Noir 1999 won silver.

2001

Stoneleigh Rapaura Series launched. The range is named after the soil classification given to the distinctive stony soils upon which the Stoneleigh vineyards rest.

2002

Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Marlborough Chardonnay 1999 won a Blue-Gold medal at the Sydney International Wine Challenge and Gold at Intervin.

2003

Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Marlborough Pinot Gris 2003 won a Blue-Gold and Top 100 award at the 2004 Sydney International Wine Competition.