Graham Norton joins Marlborough harvest

Talk show host Graham Norton was in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley last week to join Invivo Wines co-founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron for harvest. 

Norton is in New Zealand for his three-city live tour of his show ‘An Evening with Graham Norton’. He joined the Invivo team in the Awatere Valley to help with grape picking, tasting juice samples, and assessing fruit quality in preparation for the creation of the twelfth vintage of his GN Sauvignon Blanc.

“New Zealand produces some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc, in my opinion,” says Norton. “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.”

The long-standing partnership between Graham 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 ten 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, USA and Japan. 

“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 co-founder 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 culminated in a winemaker’s lunch at Harvest Restaurant in Rapaura, hosted by the Mayor of Marlborough Nadine Taylor, and local growers to celebrate the region’s wine and food. 

Taylor also presented Graham Norton with the first-of-its-kind 'Grape Ambassador' Award, recognising his long-term advocacy for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and the brand’s global success.