Coastal Notes
Notes from our wild coast at the edge of the earth
Coastal Notes is an update from our estate, sharing the story of wine from the wild coast of Awatere Marlborough, New Zealand - through the changing seasons and the challenges of making wine at the edge of the Southern Ocean.
Everything we do in the vineyard and winery is certified sustainable, a commitment we have upheld since first planting the estate almost 20 years ago.
Our wine speaks to the wildly distinctive, bracing, and challenging Awatere coast of Marlborough – minerality from the coastal soils, salinity from the strong coastal winds, and tropical lime flavours from the long sunshine hours and cool nights of Marlborough. Our wine truly speaks of its coastal place at the edge of the earth.
A wild coast - like no other
Our estate is nestled in the coastal Awatere, just south of Marlborough’s Wairau Valley – the coolest and driest spot in the region. Right at the edge of the ocean, where rugged cliffs meet the untamed coastline, our OTU Estate vineyard thrives. With longer growing seasons and plenty of sunshine, this unique spot lets us craft wines with bold flavour, crisp acidity, and that perfect balance of ripeness. It’s wine made for those who appreciate the bold, the adventurous, and the perfectly balanced.
August; Otu Estate Sauvignon Blanc Vintage 2026 Is Here
It seems fitting that our first coastal note is about our new 2026 vintage. Bold and intensely vibrant Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc distinctively Awatere coast, this wine is sourced solely from our finest steeply terraced, north facing blocks on the OTU Estate.
Our coastal Awatere Marlborough estate enjoyed an excellent growing season for 2025/26. Favourable weather conditions for flowering led to an exceptional fruit set, followed by hot and sunny summer months ideal for healthy vineyard canopies and fruit development.
The 2026 Otu Estate Sauvignon Blanc was predominantly harvested from our most elevated coastal Blocks M3, and our lower yielding, high performing Dysart Blocks 2, D3 and D5. To ensure added texture and depth, after fermentation, the wine was kept on light lees for three months until bottling.
Fresh, edgy and intensely aromatic coastal Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Mouthwatering passionfruit, kaffir lime, and notes of salinity and minerality are offset with a crisp lime finish.
As of August, our OTU Estate 2026 Sauvignon Blanc is already in market in New Zealand – one of the first to roll vintage - and is making an impact with positive reviews;
94 Points; “Upfront and instantly appealing, showcasing green rockmelon, kiwifruit, kaffir lime, and jasmine aromas, followed by an impressively flavoursome palate filled with juicy fruit intensity and vibrant acidity, making it delicious and highly enjoyable.”
Photo Credit; Taken from M4 Block looking out to sea by Tiffany True, OTU Sales Rep Upper North Island July 2026
