OurVineyard
Two words, New Zealand
Our Origins
Where it All Started
Kim Crawford is one of New Zealand's most exciting and innovative wine producers. The winery started out in a small cottage in Auckland, New Zealand and since its launch in 1996, the label has gained critical acclaim around the globe. We do things unconventionally, take risks, start things and welcome different.
The unique and varied geography of New Zealand helps to insulate our vineyards and protect the grapes from the elements. With grapes grown between the latitudes of 34º and 47º, our growing regions cover a distance of 1,000 miles from the northern tip of the country to the southern coast. Such a large growing area gives Kim Crawford the distinct advantage of a wide range of local climates and soil types to promote distinctive regional flavors and characteristics.
Our Origins
Perfection in Every Grape
No other region in the world can match
Marlborough
– George M. Taber,
noted American wine critic.
Our Home
Marlborough
It was Marlborough that broke the Kim Crawford virtual spell for the new millennium when the founders rented a state of the art winery and purchased vineyards in Marlborough’s cool Waihopai Valley in 2000.
Why Marlborough? - “No other region in the world can match Marlborough, the northeastern corner of New Zealand’s South Island, which seems to be the best place in the world to grow Sauvignon Blanc grapes.” - George M. Taber, noted American wine critic.
The region, situated at 41º latitude south on the north end of the South Island, is one of New Zealand’s sunniest and driest regions. The average daily temperature in summer reaches nearly 24ºC or 75ºF resulting in a high heat summation for the growing season.
During the daytime, strong and warm nor’west winds from the mountains prevail, encouraging flower fertility and ripening. In the evenings, the temperature shifts. Clear cool nights from ocean breezes keep acid levels high in the grapes. This diurnal shift is one of the critical components contributing to the intensity of our Marlborough wines.
Seven distinct sub-regions make up Marlborough, and the differences among them hold the key to blending intense and complex Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
HOW WE DO IT
THE WINEMAKER
A New Zealand national, Dave Edmonds has been producing wines for over 20 years and is as passionate about Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc as the day he started. Now as Chief Winemaker, he is excited to leverage his wealth of experience on Kim Crawford in producing quality wines for the world to enjoy.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy on making good wine is simple: focus on flavor. Our chief winemaker Dave Edmonds describes himself as the ‘guardian of flavor,’ crafting wines that are vibrant, authentic, and crisp.
Dave has been influenced by New Zealand’s unique natural beauty and uses it to inspire wines with robust, fruit-driven flavors that accentuate a gentle and natural character. Ultimately, Dave aims to let the original flavor of the grapes shine through in every glass of Kim Crawford.
THE GRAPES
When flavor is at the core of your philosophy, grapes become the defining factor in ensuring excellent wine. The grapes that we select are grown in vineyards scattered among the stunning vistas and coastlines of New Zealand. Within these regions the climates vary and allow us to select from an assortment of grapes producing the diverse and flavorful wines we’re known for throughout the world.