Marlborough's high annual sunshine hours makes it the sunniest region in New Zealand, yet the region is regarded as cool, with an average temperature of just 18ºC during the hottest month.

Rainfall in the Wairau and Awartere river valleys is limited by the surrounding mountain ranges which shelter the valleys from rain coming from the west. Most of the rain falls in winter, rather than in the growing season and the region averages 696mm rain.

This combination of a dry, sunny and moderate climate gives near perfect cool-climate grape-growing conditions where slow ripening helps to create the intense varietal characters in Marlborough grapes.

Long, cool nights also help to retain the distinctive freshness and crispness of flavour achieved. Marlborough wines typically have intense fruit flavours and zesty acidity - regional characteristics that make them unique and distinctive.