AUCKLAND, Today: Graham Norton knows good wine—but this harvest, he took it to the next level, joining Invivo Cofounders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in Marlborough to get stuck into winemaking himself.
In the Awatere Valley sunshine, Graham picked grapes, sampled juice, and assessed fruit quality alongside his long-time winemaking partners, helping shape the twelfth vintage of his beloved GN Sauvignon Blanc.
“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,” says Graham Norton.
Since teaming up in 2014, Graham and Invivo have grown from one wine into an award-winning portfolio of ten products and more than 300 global accolades.
“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.” – Graham Norton
GN Wines now sells across New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, USA and Japan—and continues to build global momentum year on year.
“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,” says Invivo Cofounder and Winemaker Rob Cameron.
“To welcome him to our vineyard and experience the magic of Marlborough firsthand was a real highlight for all of us.”
The visit wrapped up with a winemaker’s lunch at Harvest Restaurant in Rapaura, joined by the Mayor of Marlborough and local growers to celebrate the region’s world-class food and wine.
Guests enjoyed a seasonal feast of Mills Bay Mussels, New Zealand King Salmon, Pinoli Pine Nuts and Cranky Goat Cheese—all proudly Marlborough-made.
“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.” – Rob Cameron
To top it off, Graham was awarded Marlborough’s first-ever ‘Grape Ambassador’ title by Mayor Nadine Taylor in honour of his support for the region’s Sauvignon Blanc.
“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.” – Mayor of Marlborough, Nadine Taylor.
You’ll find GN Sauvignon Blanc in supermarkets, bottle shops, bars and restaurants across Aotearoa—just ask where all good wine is sold.
Global Growth & Success
GN Wines continues to thrive internationally. In the UK, GN Sauvignon Blanc was the fastest-growing major brand in 2024, with sales up 396% year-on-year.*
Every two seconds, someone in the UK pours a glass. In Ireland, it’s now a Top 20 wine brand, with 47% sales growth in 2024.
The momentum’s strong in the USA too, with sales rising 28% year-on-year as of February 2025.
*Source: IRI UK, Total Off-Trade Market, MAT to 31 Dec 2024.
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