FOODS TO PAIR WITH PINOT NOIR

The Better Half Marlborough Pinot is the perfect choice for a fun afternoon or evening. A fruity red wine always pairs perfectly with sparkling conversation and a spicy dose of humour as the sun goes down.

But what happens when it’s time to eat? What are the best foods to pair with The Better Half Pinot Noir?

To be honest, George is a little sceptical about finding the perfect “food pairing.” His rule is that there are no rules! Good company’s more important than the cuisine, and the conversation should keep flowing, not cut out as the cook checks on dinner.

We do need to eat though and sometimes the perfect snack can prolong the fun. In case you need some inspiration, here are a few food-pairing pointers that will make the most of your glass of The Better Half Pinot Noir.

FOODS TO PAIR WITH THE BETTER HALF PINOT NOIR

    1. A platter of cured meats is the perfect accompaniment to Pinot Noir.
      The ultimate “not-dinner”, a plate of prosciutto, salami or jamon is the ideal match to this light juicy wine. Maybe add some olives or soft cheeses if you want to get really fancy. The salty flavours and decadent fat content of these meats perfectly enhance the fresh flavours and juicy acidity of our favourite Pinot Noir.
    2. Anything on the grill.
      George is a maestro on the bbq – it’s the ultimate easy dinner when friends are round. You just can’t beat some sausies on the bbq! A little touch of char from the grill combined with the rich earthy flavours in the meat is a great match for The Better Half Pinot Noir… Even better if you can source some snags with a hint of fennel in them which brings out the beautiful perfume of the pinot.
    3. Fresh caught fish or shellfish.
      Forget the old saying of white wine with fish! Pinot is a great choice to pair with seafood. In Marlborough George loves the local “kai moana.” We are blessed with beautiful salmon, cod, shellfish and local crayfish, all of which are delicious with a glass of refreshing, flavoursome Pinot Noir.

So the next time you crack a bottle of The Better Half Pinot, pair it like a pro with one of these delicious dishes and discover your new favourite combination.

Dish of seafood pasta
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2026 Marlborough Harvest   ·  The Better Half Wine, New Zealand

2026 Marlborough Harvest: Good News All Round.

Every bottle of The Better Half starts in a vineyard at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. Here’s the story of the 2026 Marlborough harvest— what happened out there, why it matters and what it means for your Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

 

First, a quick geography lesson

Marlborough sits at the very top of New Zealand’s South Island — think long sunny days, cool nights and a warm breeze that rolls down the valleys. Every 2026 Marlborough harvest starts here, in one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world, best known for Sauvignon Blanc that actually tastes like something and Pinot Noir with real depth and character.

That’s where your Better Half comes from. Made at the edge of the earth. No big deal.

Spring arrived with a roar

The 2026 season kicked off with a burst of warm weather that had the vines practically racing out of the ground. No damaging frosts, no slow starts — just sunshine, warm air and that our secret-weapon-nor’west-breeze. Flowering came way earlier than usual, and the conditions were near-perfect for it. The grapes got a head start.

“We had one of those rare springs where everything just clicked — the kind of start that makes you optimistic all the way to harvest.”

the cool finish is actually the best part

After such a warm, energetic start, summer dialled back in the best possible way. Cooler temperatures and overcast days in the lead-up to harvest slowed ripening right down — and that’s a very good thing.

Think of it like slow cooking: The hot start and cool finish meant the season was extended: developing fruit flavor and concentration whil locking in the freshness, brightness and zingy acidity that make Marlborough wines famous.

The result is wine that’s full of flavor AND refreshing. Just what you want in the perfect glass.

How the 2026 Marlborough Harvest Unfolded

The 2026 Marlborough harvest ran across six weeks — and didn’t disappoint. We worked our way through the vineyards, picking each block and variety at exactly the right moment. Some grapes came in by machine, others were hand-picked bunch by bunch. Both take skill. Both involve early morning starts fuelled by a lot of enthusiasm and some extra caffeine.

We started in late February and swung into high gear as March unfolded, and finished with a final pick at the beginning of April as fall settled in.

So what does the 2026 Marlborough Harvest taste like when it hits your glass?

Bright, fresh and full of flavour

The warm spring packed the fruit with flavour and character. The cool finish kept everything vibrant and crisp. The 2026 Better Half Sauvignon Blanc is shaping up to be the kind you crack open on a Tuesday for no particular reason, or on a Friday night special occasion — and then immediately wish you’d bought more. The Pinot Noir? Expect depth, fruit and a finish that makes you pour a second glass before you’ve finished the first. Consider yourself warned.

The 2026 range is on its way.
Be first to know when it drops.

 

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Marlborough vineyard at harvest time
Harvesting grapes in Marlborough
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