New Zealand Winery Wairau River Releases Braided, a White Blend

Lake Bluff, IL (June 23, 2026) – Wairau River, an award-winning and pioneering Marlborough winery who was at the forefront of New Zealand’s emerging wine scene in the 1970s, announces the release of Braided, a new white blend. Wairau River’s first and only white blend, Braided is made from Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc and will begin rolling out in the US market in June 2026.

Taking its name from the distinctive braided channels of the Wairau River in Marlborough where the winery is based, Wairau River Braided weaves together these two varieties that have played a defining role in New Zealand’s viticultural history.

“With Braided, we wanted to explore how two varieties could complement each other in a way that feels effortless and modern,” says Nick Entwistle, Chief Winemaker at Wairau River. “Pinot Grigio brings texture and softness, while Sauvignon Blanc lifts the blend with freshness and vibrancy. The result is a wine that is bright, expressive, and incredibly easy to enjoy.”

Wairau River is family-owned and -operated by the Rose family, who are deeply rooted in the farming history of the Rapaura subregion as far back as 1870. Here, along the banks of the Wairau River, Phil and Chris Rose were among the very first to plant grapes in 1978, nearly a decade before the category gained traction in New Zealand and well ahead of the global rise of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in the late 1990s. In 1991, the Wairau River label was launched, selling exclusively estate-grown wines. They began exporting Wairau River to the US almost 30 years ago in 1997. Today, the winery owns and operates 14 vineyards in the Marlborough region, making it one of the biggest family-owned wineries in New Zealand, with 100% of their wines remaining estate-grown.

The Wairau Valley in Marlborough is an exceptional site for viticulture, characterized by free-draining alluvial soils and a maritime climate ideal for grape-growing. The winding river depicted on the label is central to the winery’s origins and symbolizes its importance to the land and life in Marlborough. Wairau means “many waters” in Maori, a nod to the braided nature of the river’s channels.

A Hot Prospect Brand Award Winner for three years in a row (2022-2024), Wairau River continues to focus on innovation with its release of Braided. At a time when the wine industry faces ongoing headwinds, white blends are the only growing category in the still white wine category, consistently gaining share year-over-year (+7% vs. LY and +29% growth since 2021: NIQ Selected White Blends L52W $ Sales TUS xAOC +Liquor 2021-2025). With Braided, Wairau River builds on its current momentum and strategically enters this high-opportunity segment.

“Braided represents an exciting evolution for Wairau River,” says Lindsay Parkinson, CEO of Wairau River. “While our foundation remains firmly rooted in Marlborough and estate-grown winemaking, we also recognize the importance of creating wines that connect with today’s consumers. This blend reflects a more contemporary, versatile style of drinking while staying true to the quality and character that define our region.”

Wairau River Braided 2025 retails for SRP $18 and will be available nationally starting June 2026. It joins the winery’s U.S. portfolio with Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc, Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris.

# # #

About Wairau River

Wairau River Wines is a multi-generational, family-owned, award-winning winery located in the Marlborough region in New Zealand's South Island, where making exceptional wine and food is an everyday experience. Founded by Phil and Chris Rose in 1991, the winery takes its name from the beautifully braided river on whose banks the Rose family planted their first vines. A Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) brand, Wairau River aligns its environmental strategy with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to positively impact the land and community. Wairau River owns and operates its restaurant Number 11, where they serve fresh, modern fare paired with their wines.

About Terlato Wine Group

Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Lake Bluff, Illinois, Terlato Wine Group is a fourth-generation family-owned business and a leading producer and marketer of premium wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages from around the world. With a passion for excellence and a commitment to exceptional quality and service, Terlato represents a curated selection that exemplifies the artistry and traditions of renowned wine and spirits regions worldwide.