We’re delighted to welcome Balvonie Winery to Wine Not! as one of our Founding Wineries. Based in Rapaura, Marlborough, Balvonie is a family wine label with a sparkling wine story that starts in the vineyard.

The people behind Balvonie Winery

Ben and Helen McLauchlan planted their first grapevines in 2014. After growing grapes for other Marlborough wine labels, they launched Balvonie in 2023. The name honours the family’s Scottish heritage and the farm where they grow their grapes.

A special thank you to the Balvonie team for working with us at Wine Not! and helping more people discover the people and places behind New Zealand wine.

Ben McLauchlan pouring Balvonie sparkling wine into a glass held by Helen McLauchlan

Glera grown in Marlborough

Balvonie grows Glera in Rapaura for its Marlborough sparkling wine. The team uses the traditional method, where a second fermentation takes place in the bottle. It brings together a grape associated with Italian sparkling wine and fruit grown in Marlborough.

Discover the Balvonie listing, explore Balvonie’s wines on its website, or browse our Marlborough winery guide for more places and wine experiences in the region.

Two glasses of Balvonie sparkling wine beside bottles from the Marlborough winery

Join the Wine Not! Founding Wineries programme

Our Founding Wineries help people discover New Zealand wine and the families and teams behind it. If you run a New Zealand winery, the first 50 approved founding wineries receive 12 months of Explore membership free from the date their enhanced listing is published. The offer closes on 30 November 2026, or when all places are filled. You can choose whether to renew after the first year.

Apply for a founding place or read about the offer and renewal terms.

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