New Zealand
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Marlborough
Our Story
In the 1990s, Bryan and Jan Johnson established 180 hectares of estate vineyards in Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley on land considered too hard, too dry, and too infertile for vines. This pioneering spirit helped create one of New Zealand’s most successful and respected wineries—and one of the few that remains 100% Kiwi family-owned and operated. Managing Director Amanda Johnson cites a passionate family culture and terroir-driven winemaking as key reasons for that recognition.
In 2026, Spy Valley was named New Zealand Winery of the Year at the London Wine Competition after earning gold medals for all seven wines entered.
Spy Valley’s vineyards are situated primarily on young alluvial river terraces, with veins of stone and shingle overlaid by a thin veneer of topsoil. Older terraces have higher clay content and deeper topsoil, underlain by free-draining river gravel and stone.
Located just up the road from a “Five Eyes” government listening post—or spy base—two-time IWSC New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year Spy Valley shares the secrets of its land in every bottle while embracing a sustainable philosophy for future generations. The relationship between Broadbent Selections and Spy Valley Wines dates back to 2001, and Broadbent is proud to be considered part of the family.
Wines
Chardonnay
Spy Valley
Waihopai Valley, Marlborough
A blend of two estate single vineyards: Waihopai and Omaka Valleys. Stony free draining soils and clay/loess over gravel, respectively. Mostly naturally fermented and then aged in neutral barrels on the lees. Ripe lemon, cashew, cream.
E Block Sauvignon Blanc
Spy Valley
Waihopai Valley, Marlborough
Not just a single vineyard, but a single block. Johnson Vineyard E Block in Waihopai Valley. Planted in 1995. Fermented and aged in both stainless steel and neutral barrels. Citrus flower, green melon, elegance.
Easy Tiger Sauvignon Blanc
Spy Valley
Waihopai and Lower Wairau Valleys
Low Brix and low alcohol. 9.5%. Grapes are grown in Waihopai and Lower Wairau Valleys on alluvial soils. Partially undergoes malolactic fermentation for texture. All stainless steel. Green apple, ginger, crisp.
Pinot Noir
Spy Valley
Waihopai Valley - Omaka Valley, Marlborough
Planted adjacent to the Chardonnay and also a blend of two single vineyards. Naturally fermented and aged in neutral French oak. Maraschino cherry, earth, clove.
Riesling
Spy Valley
Waihopai Valley, Marlborough
A single vineyard wine. Grapes are hand harvested in 8 different passings and then naturally fermented in older oak and stainless steel. Dry. Nectarine, lemon pith, white pepper.
Satellite Sauvignon Blanc
Spy Valley
Wairau Valley, Marlborough
We are all Satellites drifting around a beautiful planet. A blend of three valleys with alluvial soils rich in silt loams and gravel. All stainless steel. Pear, stone fruit, layered.
Sauvignon Blanc
Spy Valley
Wairau Valley, Marlborough
Recent Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines awardee. The tried and true of the range. Partially naturally fermented in older oak and the rest in stainless steel. We should all be buying this wine to drink now and buying more to witness it gracefully age. Passionfruit, sweet lime, pea shoots.
Featured Stories
Seven Wines, Seven Golds: Spy Valley Sweeps London
Spy Valley earned seven gold medals and was named New Zealand Winery of the Year at the 2026 London Wine Competition. Discover its winning Marlborough wines.
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Exploring the Journey of Spy Valley’s Winemaker: Emily Gaspard-Clark
Named New Zealand’s Young Winemaker of the Year in 2019, Emily combines global experience with a passion for crafting exceptional wines at Spy Valley.
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New Zealand & Marlborough with Master Sommelier Josh Orr
Explore the wines of New Zealand's Marlborough region and Spy Valley with Master Sommelier Josh Orr in this Broadbent University session.
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