In a recent episode of Adventures of a Black Belt Sommelier, host Hoyt Hill sat down with Amanda Johnson, General Manager of Spy Valley Winery in Marlborough, New Zealand. The conversation explored the history of the family-run winery, the unique characteristics of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and the challenges and triumphs of winemaking in one of the most remote and beautiful regions of the world.
From Family Roots to Global Recognition
Amanda Johnson’s journey at Spy Valley is deeply intertwined with her family’s story. Amanda’s parents, Brian and Jan Johnson, planted their first vines in 1993 in the Waihopai Valley, a region once deemed too dry and infertile for viticulture. Over the years, their determination and vision proved skeptics wrong as the vineyards flourished. Seven years after planting, the family established their own winery and brand, choosing the name Spy Valley in a nod to the nearby spy base and her father’s love for James Bond.
Amanda, who studied marketing at university, pitched the winery’s name to her parents with a memorable PowerPoint presentation—and the rest is history. Spy Valley’s branding embraces a playful mystique, with Morse code on the labels and James Bond-inspired artwork throughout the winery. Today, Amanda represents the second generation at the helm, overseeing production, sustainability efforts, and succession planning for the future.
Marlborough: Home of Sauvignon Blanc
As Amanda explains, Marlborough’s exceptional terroir makes it a world leader in Sauvignon Blanc. Located at the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island, the region benefits from maximum sunshine hours, minimal rainfall, and free-draining soils. The vineyards are surrounded by mountains that shelter the vines and help create the unmistakable flavor profile of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc—a wine so distinct that it is instantly recognizable on the nose alone.
Amanda attributes this unique character to Marlborough’s natural environment, including clear skies, cooling sea breezes, and natural acidity in the grapes. While the world knows Marlborough for its Sauvignon Blanc, Spy Valley also produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and other varietals, highlighting the diversity and potential of the region.
Sustainability and the Next Generation
Sustainability is a core value at Spy Valley Winery. Since 1999, the family has been part of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, focusing on conserving water, managing soil health, and protecting the land for future generations. Amanda describes her family’s mission as “leaving the land in a better place than we started.”
With 12 grandchildren and a growing interest in viticulture from younger generations, the Johnson family is already laying the groundwork for the future. Amanda’s own children have worked in the vineyard during university holidays, learning the value of hard work and contributing to the family legacy.
Adapting to Global Climate Change
Like many wine regions around the world, Marlborough faces challenges brought on by climate change. Amanda shares that extreme weather events, including floods and droughts, have become more frequent in recent years. The winery adapts by carefully managing water resources and relying on frost fans to protect their vines during cooler seasons. Despite these challenges, Marlborough’s natural advantages and innovative techniques allow Spy Valley to maintain its reputation for quality.
Beyond Sauvignon Blanc: Looking to the Future
While Sauvignon Blanc remains Marlborough’s flagship varietal, Amanda highlights the growing potential of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and even sparkling wines in the region. Spy Valley has already received international recognition for its wines, including trophies for their Sauvignon Blanc at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Competition. Amanda sees opportunities for the winery to continue innovating, producing award-winning wines that honor both tradition and the evolving tastes of global wine enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts: Celebrating New Zealand Wine
Amanda Johnson’s passion for Spy Valley Winery and New Zealand’s wine industry is evident throughout the conversation. From playful branding inspired by a nearby spy base to a deep commitment to sustainability and family legacy, Spy Valley captures the spirit of Marlborough’s winemaking excellence.
As Amanda invites listeners to visit New Zealand and experience the magic of Spy Valley firsthand, she reminds us of the beauty, dedication, and innovation behind every bottle.
