THE BETTER HALF WINES ARE BACK!

The Better Half Wines are ringing in the new year with a label redesign and the US release of the new 2021 vintage of The Better Half Sauvignon Blanc. Grown and made in Marlborough, New Zealand, The Better Half wines embody the wildly creative spirit of winemaker, part-time pilot, amateur aircraft restorer and avid mountain biker George Elworthy. “That’s all a bit hard to fit on a business card,” according to George, who cheekily named his wines “The Better Half,” as a shout-out to his friendly rivalry with wife and business partner, winemaker Jules Taylor.

“We have sold The Better Half Wines to friends in the States for some time now, but we have mostly kept under the radar,” said Winemaker/Owner George Elworthy. “It felt like the time had come to freshen up the look, and for me to step out from behind the desk and tell the story of these wines and the vineyards behind them. We pour our love for the land and the fruit we grow into creating wines to share amidst the banter and laughter with friends and family. However you share, slurp or sip, we invite you to raise a glass, then relax and enjoy.”

The redesigned label of The Better Half features two birds, representing George and Jules: the eagle is George, a daring risk-taker who is always looking to the future, while the dove is Jules, the peacemaker of the family known for her more cautious, meticulous approach. Together, they make an unflappable, formidable team who complement each other perfectly. George and Jules dared to dream big and now they fly high with a successful stable of world-class wines tucked under their wings. The stylized birds also capture George’s passion for aviation, with embossed, riveted details that recall vintage aircraft.

The Better Half Wines are grown and made in Marlborough, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. “Marlborough is the edge of the earth, home to dreamers, pioneers, and aviators,” shares George. “It’s the place that put a tiny South Pacific nation on the world wine map: a region of sunny, dry summers and crisp, clear winters creating the perfect growing conditions for our tiny, delicious parcels of happiness.”

2021 The Better Half Sauvignon Blanc: This quintessentially vibrant MarlboroughSauvignon Blanc is incredibly lively on the palate and generously layered with mouth-watering tropical fruit flavors and a lip-smacking finish. 2021 was a tiny vintage in Marlborough and George turned a small, but perfectly ripened batch of berries into pure sunshine. 5% ABV (SRP: $16/750-ML)

Off the Beaten Track: The Better Half Wine, New Zealand

Wild Marlborough Places That Inspire The Better Half Wines

Most people picture Marlborough as vineyards, cafés, and carefully curated landscapes — and they’re not wrong. But you don’t have to go far beyond that tame beauty to find wild ridgelines, remote coasts, and alpine valleys that feel like the edge of the earth.

We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite spots to escape to at the end of the week, all within an hour or two of Blenheim, yet all delivering that exhilarating “untouched world” feeling that inspires The Better Half Wines.

Altimarloch & the Black Birch / Blairich Peaks

High country adventure right behind one of our top Sauvignon Blanc vineyards.

Altimarloch and its cousins Blairich and Black Birch peaks sit high above the Awatere Valley, offering sweeping 360 views across Marlborough’s vineyards and valleys, as well as out to the coast and inland towards Mt Tapuae-o-uenuku – the South Island’s highest peak. A 4WD track leads from just by one of our favourite Sauvignon Blanc vineyards and takes you almost to the summit, making it an easy gateway to the rugged ridgelines, beloved by hunters and high-country hunters, and – for George – an adrenaline-filled mountain bike ride back down!

Why we love it: This high-altitude, sunshine-rich country is critical for the bright, energetic character of our Sauvignon Blanc.

Cape Campbell Coast

Remote, windswept, and alive with birdlife — a coastline we help protect.

The pale uplifted rock shelves and rugged coastal cliffs, long stretches of shingle beach, and sweeping sand dunes make Cape Campbell feel like another planet. And that’s before you consider the lighthouse: an imposing sentinel over the beaches and featured in the movie “The Light Between Oceans”. It’s also home to important seabird species, which is why we proudly support the local East Coast Protection Group. George loves to land his plane on the local airstrip amongst the grasses there and chat to the local volunteers about how the conservation work is going

Why we love it: Cool ocean breezes keep our nights cool and help shape Marlborough’s aromatic, refreshing style.

Molesworth Station

NZ’s largest high-country station is the perfect back country adventure. The Molesworth is vast, raw, and unforgettable: tussock valleys, braided rivers, and back country roads roll on for hours. It’s prime territory for 4WD adventures or multi day hikes, with star filled camping under the vast southern skies.

Why we love it: Cosy campfires and Sauvignon by starlight is what The Better Half Wine is all about.

View over river and peaks of Marlborough: Perfect location for a Marlborough Outdoor Adventure

Rainbow Ski Area

A high-altitude playground— built for skiing in winter and mountain biking or 4WD adventures towards Hanmer in the summer. The road up to Rainbow Ski Area is an adventure of its own. In winter it’s a friendly, uncrowded ski field; in summer it becomes a favourite 4WD and mountain biking route, offering huge views across the ranges.

Why we love it: It’s a reminder that Marlborough’s “civilised” wine country is never far from true alpine grit — the same contrast that makes our wines refreshing yet full of character. Why we love it: It’s the perfect reminder that Marlborough’s wilder side is never far away

St Arnaud & Nelson Lakes National Park

Beech forests and alpine trails, with an icy lake for waterborne adventures.

Just over an hour from Blenheim, St Arnaud is the gateway to the Nelson Lakes National Park, a region of alpine peaks, beech forests, and deep blue lakes. one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking alpine regions.

Favourite adventures:

Mt Roberts ridge loop
The alpine journey to Lake Angelus
Waterskiing on Lake Rotoiti when it’s glassy and calm

Why we love it: George & Jules spend many summer days here — adventures here start early to make the most of the days and always finish with a well earned glass of wine.

George setting off on his Mountain Biking Marlborough Outdoor Adventure

Taste Marlborough’s Wild Side

These landscapes — high country, coast, and alpine lakes — inspire the adventurous spirit of The Better Half Wines. You don’t need to hike a ridge or land on a beach to experience them. Just pour a glass.

👉 The Better Half Sauvignon Blanc
👉 The Better Half Pinot Noir

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