Marisco Vineyards

Named after founder Brent Marris’s forebears who bore the original De Marisco surname, Marisco Vineyards combines a family history steeped in the very beginnings of grapegrowing in Marlborough with a bold entrepreneurial spirit.  Brent Marris grew up on some of the very first vineyards in Marlborough, planted by his father. As a young winemaker, he was responsible for the development of two major New Zealand wine brands. 

Driven by a love of viticulture and winemaking instilled in his teens, Brent was the first local Marlborough lad to become a qualified winemaker from Roseworthy College in Australia. In 1994, after helping Delegats establish the Oyster Bay brand, he founded Wither Hills with his father, pioneering Marlborough viticulturist John Marris. Eight years later, the brand had grown dramatically and was sold to to multi-national beverage company Lion Nathan

Marisco Vineyards was conceived in 2003, when Brent began his search for a special vineyard property to provide a base for his next venture. This time, the aim was to establish a family legacy that will last for generations.  With the vast knowledge he built up as a youngster exploring the local area and what he had learned later as a Marlborough viticulturist and winemaker, Brent found an exceptional 268 hectare property on the banks of the Waihopai River. Here he planted the varieties that has won Marlborough fame the world over: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.  The Waihopai Valley is now home to the company's 750+ hectares of family owned vineyard and these vineyards now produce world renowned brands such as The Ned, Leefield Station and The Kings Series, as well as targeted niche brands such as The Craft Series. 

In 2009, work started on a winery that was both aesthetically elegant and extremely functional, designed using innovations and technologies adapted from other industries where necessary.  Located in the heart of our Waihopai River Vineyard - this new generation winery is one of the most advanced wineries in New Zealand.  We are a progressive family wine business who are passionate about creating great Marlborough wines and taking the New Zealand wine story to the world.  This passion and drive for excellence can be seen in the success of our brands througout the world and are testament to the Marris family, past, present and furture generations.