Graham Norton rolled up sleeves for grape harvest in New Zealand
During the event, the Mayor Nadine Taylor presented Graham with the first-of-its-kind 'Grape Ambassador' Award, recognising his long term advocacy for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and the brand’s global success.
Print1 May 2025
This harvest season, Graham Norton took his passion a step further and joined Invivo Wines’ cofounders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in Marlborough, New Zealand, to craft the latest GN blend.
He rolled up his sleeves in the Awatere Valley, getting hands-on with grape picking, tasting juice samples, and assessing fruit quality with his long-term Invivo winemaker partners – a step in crafting the next, twelfth, vintage of his GN Sauvignon Blanc.
Norton said: “New Zealand produces some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc, in my opinion.
“It’s incredible to think that what began as a small, limited-edition run of GN New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has grown into a global brand.
“Now, here we are harvesting grapes in Marlborough for our twelfth vintage!
“I don’t just put my name to the wines – I’m involved in the process, which makes being here in this stunning region for harvest all the more special.”
Norton and Invivo relationship
The long-standing partnership between Norton and Invivo began in 2014 with a single New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and has since evolved into an internationally acclaimed wine and spirits portfolio, now including 10 products and more than 300 accolades.
Today, GN Wines is a top-selling brand and commercial success in multiple markets, including the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, USA and Japan.
Rob Cameron, Invivo cofounder and winemaker: “Graham has always been hands-on – he personally tastes, blends, and signs off on every vintage with us to ensure his favourite wine is made to his exact taste preferences.
“To welcome him to our vineyard and experience the magic of Marlborough firsthand was a real highlight for all of us.”
Norton’s visit to Marlborough culminated in a winemaker’s lunch at Harvest Restaurant in Rapaura, where Graham, Tim, and Rob were hosted by the Mayor of Marlborough and local growers to celebrate the Marlborough region’s wine and food produce.
Guests dined on a seasonal menu featuring Mills Bay Mussels, New Zealand King Salmon, Pinoli Pine Nuts and local Cranky Goat Cheese.
During the event, the Mayor Nadine Taylor presented Graham with the first-of-its-kind ‘Grape Ambassador’ Award, recognising his long term advocacy for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and the brand’s global success.
Norton continued: “It’s such an honour to receive the first Grape Ambassador award from the Mayor of Marlborough, Nadine Taylor.
“It turns out that years of drinking, making and talking about Sauvignon Blanc with Invivo Wines has its perks!
“I’m genuinely touched – and raising a glass to Marlborough!”, he said.
Nadine Taylor, mayor of Marlborough said: “It was my great pleasure to host Graham Norton and award him the title of Official Marlborough Grape Ambassador.
“Graham is not only a legend and high-profile broadcaster and author, he is also a strong supporter and advocate for Marlborough sauvignon blanc.
“In fact, our sauvignon blanc is quite a lot like Graham himself – vibrant, refreshing and fun, with razor-sharp acidity!
“Graham’s visit will do wonders for Marlborough’s profile and keep New Zealand’s premium wine on the international radar.”
Read more: Ten years of a good tipple with Graham Norton
© 2025, ShelfLife by Ryan Brennan
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