FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Only wines that meet our stringent quality standards can carry the AMW logo on their label. The criteria include:

• Wines must be made exclusively from Marlborough grapes, sourced from vineyards within AMW’s defined viticultural area.
• Wines must be made from grapes that have achieved a minimum ripeness level of 18 Brix at the time of harvest (for Sauvignon Blanc).
• Wines must be bottled in New Zealand.
• Wines must come from vineyards certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, BioGro NZ, or an equivalent certification body.
• Wines must pass a blind sensory assessment conducted by a panel of qualified, experienced winemakers.

The primary aim of AMW is to protect the origin, authenticity, and integrity of wines produced in Marlborough. Initially, AMW focused on Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, the most valuable and significant wine variety from New Zealand’s largest growing region. Certification now extends to other varietals.

As the global demand for our wines grows, it is essential to safeguard Marlborough's unique wine identity. AMW ensures that wine drinkers receive a product that genuinely represents the region’s winemakers and exceptional terroir.

Yes, any winery can gain certification by becoming a member of Appellation Marlborough Wine. To do so, they must agree to abide by the organization’s rules and code of conduct, and their wines must meet the certification criteria.

While we encourage our members to certify all wines in their range, some wines may not be certified. Always look for the AMW mark on the bottle as your guarantee of certification.

Appellation Marlborough Wine is a member-funded organization, with financial support from Wineworks Marlborough Ltd, the Cresswell-Jackson N.Z. Wine Trust (to confirm), Chandler, Visy, and Wrapt Labels.

AMW has over fifty members, including some of the region’s most iconic wine companies. The AMW Committee and our CEO, Michael Wentworth, oversee the organization’s operations.

The distinctive character of Marlborough’s wines and the region’s rapid rise to international fame necessitate a certified appellation status. This helps the industry protect the reputation of its most valuable asset. Appellation status ensures adherence to essential standards and quality parameters. For consumers, it serves as a trust mark of authenticity, integrity, and provenance.

The AMW certification is about quality and authenticity, not price. Our diverse membership represents the breadth of the industry, all united in a vision to protect and enhance Marlborough’s global quality reputation.

Consumers can easily identify an AMW-certified wine by looking for the AMW logo on the bottle’s label. This logo is a mark of assurance that the wine meets our rigorous standards for quality and authenticity, representing the very best of Marlborough.  AMW have also recently introduced a neck label and certification sticker for producers to incorporate on the front of their bottle.

Wineries benefit from AMW certification by aligning with a recognized mark of quality and authenticity. Certification helps to differentiate their wines in the global market, fosters consumer trust, and reinforces the reputation of Marlborough wines. Additionally, certified wineries gain access to AMW’s marketing support and industry network.

AMW promotes sustainability by requiring all certified wines to come from vineyards certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, BioGro NZ, or an equivalent program. This ensures that the wines are produced in an environmentally responsible manner, helping to protect Marlborough’s natural resources for future generations.

To become AMW certified, a winery must first become a member of Appellation Marlborough Wine, agreeing to adhere to the organisation’s code of conduct. The winery’s wines must then meet the strict certification criteria, including the use of sustainably grown grapes from Marlborough, meeting specific ripeness levels, passing a blind sensory assessment, and being bottled in New Zealand.

Yes, the AMW certification is recognised internationally as a mark of quality and authenticity for Marlborough wines. It assures global consumers that they are purchasing a wine that truly represents the Marlborough region, produced to the highest standards.