Snapper Rock Wines is a New Zealand wine brand focused on delivering consistent, high-quality wines from Marlborough. The portfolio centres on New Zealand’s strongest international categories—Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris—offering styles that are varietally approachable, and commercially proven.

Positioned as a boutique producer with access to established vineyard sources and experienced local winemakers, Snapper Rock combines regional authenticity with the infrastructure needed to support steady volume, competitive pricing and reliable logistics. For U.S. importers and distributors, the brand offers a focused range aligned with ongoing consumer demand for New Zealand wines.

Region and Sourcing

Snapper Rock sources the majority of its fruit from Marlborough, New Zealand’s most recognised wine region and the global benchmark for Sauvignon Blanc. Marlborough’s climate—long summer days, cool nights and well-drained soils shaped by ancient riverbeds—consistently produces wines with vibrant aromatics, crisp acidity and clean fruit expression. Fruit is sourced directly from contracted vineyards, allowing Snapper Rock to maintain consistency year after year while managing volume requirements for export markets.

Winemaking Approach

The wines are produced in collaboration with experienced New Zealand winemakers using modern, fruit-driven winemaking techniques. Stainless steel fermentation is used extensively for aromatic whites to preserve freshness and varietal character, while Pinot Noir and Chardonnay receive measured use of seasoned French oak to add structure without overpowering the fruit.

Across the range, the focus remains on:

• Clean, technically sound wines
• Consistent flavour profiles vintage to vintage
• Styles that perform well by the glass and on retail shelves

Portfolio Summary

Below is a breakdown of the core wines currently available, with key commercial and stylistic points highlighted for ease of review.

Snapper Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Category: Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Winemaking notes:

• Stainless steel fermentation
• Focus on freshness and vibrancy
• A consistent, well-reviewed Sauvignon Blanc positioned for by-the-glass programs, retail multiples, and independent stores.

This wine represents the brand’s main commercial offering and strongest market fit. The 2024 vintage was harvested earlier than previous years at 21.2 brix following an exceptionally dry and warm summer. Night harvesting helped retain acidity and aromatic intensity.
Style profile: Bright, punchy fruit underpinned by crisp acidity, delivering classic Marlborough character.

Snapper Rock Pinot Gris 2024

Category: Aromatic white
Winemaking notes:

• Machine harvested
• Stainless steel fermentation
• Minimal fining and filtration

This Pinot Gris offers more palate weight while maintaining freshness, making it suitable for food-led accounts.
Style profile: Pear, lychee and citrus flavours with subtle spice and mineral notes, balanced by fresh acidity and suited to restaurants, modern casual dining, and retail consumers seeking a softer white option. Well suited for restaurants, modern casual dining, and retail consumers seeking a softer white option.

Snapper Rock Sauvignon Blanc Rosé 2025

Category: Rosé / Flavoured Sauvignon expression
Winemaking notes:

• Cool fermentation in stainless steel
• Emphasis on aromatic lift

A lighter, aromatic style combining Sauvignon Blanc freshness with rosé appeal.
Style profile: Strawberry, citrus and floral notes with a juicy, clean finish and crisp acidity, designed for early consumption and casual occasions, with a drink window from now to 2027.

Snapper Rock Pinot Noir 2023

Category: Cool-climate Pinot Noir
Winemaking notes:

• Open-top fermenters with hand plunging
• Maturation in seasoned French oak

An accessible, easy-drinking Pinot Noir with enough structure to appeal to a broad audience.

Style profile: Cherry and plum flavours with subtle savoury notes, soft tannins and a silky texture, making it a commercially viable Pinot Noir for mid-tier restaurant lists and retail.

Ward Valley Range (Single-Origin Focus)

The Ward Valley wines highlight Marlborough’s southern coastal areas, with an emphasis on site expression and minerality. These wines sit slightly above the core Snapper Rock range and offer distributors an opportunity to trade up within the same portfolio.

Ward Valley Chardonnay 2023

Style: Structured, mineral-driven Chardonnay
Winemaking notes:

• Bunch pressed
• Fermented in French barriques
• Partial malolactic fermentation
• 10 months on lees

Drink window: 2024–2029. Suitable for premium on-trade placements and specialist retail.

Ward Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2025

Style: Citrus-driven with saline and herbal notes
Character: New World fruit with Old World structure
Produced after a steady growing season with cooler ripening conditions, resulting in extended flavour development and balanced acidity.

Commercial Considerations for Importers and Distributors

1. Category Strength: New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc continues to perform strongly in the U.S., particularly in the $12–$18 retail segment.

2. Pricing and Margins: Ex-cellar pricing is structured to support distributor, retailer and on-trade margins while remaining competitive.

3. Supply and Logistics:

• Contracted vineyards
• Stable production volumes
• Export-focused logistics

4. Support Materials: Snapper Rock provides technical sheets, tasting notes and sales support to assist market entry and growth.

Brand Positioning

Snapper Rock Wines is positioned as a dependable New Zealand supplier rather than a niche or luxury label. The focus is on wines that sell consistently, meet consumer expectations, and perform reliably across channels. The brand story draws from New Zealand’s maritime climate and outdoor lifestyle, but the commercial emphasis remains on quality, value and consistency rather than marketing hype.

For U.S. importers and distributors seeking a focused New Zealand portfolio, Snapper Rock Wines offers:

• Proven Marlborough sourcing
• Core varietals with established demand
• Competitive pricing and reliable supply
• Clean, consistent wine styles suited to volume sales

Header image sourced from Snapper Rock Wines.