Dog Point
Family-owned and Organic: Dog Point is one of Marlborough’s oldest privately established vineyards and the largest certified organic vineyard in New Zealand, with a hands-on, sustainable approach to winemaking.
Founded by Industry Pioneers: Established by Ivan Sutherland and James Healy, former viticulturist and winemaker at Cloudy Bay, Dog Point is built on decades of experience and a shared passion for quality.
Distinctive, Handcrafted Wines: Known for its vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, complex Section 94, refined Chardonnay, and expressive Pinot Noir, all wines are low-intervention, hand-harvested, and estate-grown.
Rooted in Place and History: Located in the Southern Valleys of Marlborough, Dog Point is deeply connected to the land, with a name and philosophy that honor the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Dog Point Vineyard: A Legacy Rooted in Marlborough’s Heartland
Nestled in the rolling Southern Valleys of Marlborough, New Zealand’s most iconic wine-growing region, Dog Point Vineyard stands as a symbol of authenticity, heritage, and a deep respect for the land. This family-owned estate is one of the oldest privately established vineyards in Marlborough and is now the largest certified organic vineyard in the country. Its story is one of pioneering vision, lifelong friendship, and a shared passion for producing wines of uncompromising quality.
The roots of Dog Point stretch back to the early days of Marlborough’s rise to international wine fame. Founders Ivan and Margaret Sutherland, along with James and Wendy Healy, first crossed paths at the acclaimed Cloudy Bay Winery. Ivan was the founding viticulturist, while James crafted wines as the head winemaker. Over years of collaboration, the pair developed a close bond and a shared philosophy about what great wine should be: a pure expression of place, made with care and minimal interference. In 2004, they channeled that vision into the creation of Dog Point Vineyard, although the first vintage had quietly taken shape in 2002.
The vineyard itself spans over 280 hectares of organically farmed land, where glacially carved silty clay loam soils and a cool, dry climate create ideal conditions for growing premium grapes. Every vine is hand-tended, and harvesting is done by hand, an increasingly rare practice in modern viticulture. Organic principles are at the core of Dog Point’s approach. There’s no synthetic intervention, no herbicides, and no shortcuts, just a genuine respect for nature and a belief that exceptional wines begin in a healthy vineyard.
Dog Point’s wine collection reflects both its Marlborough roots and the personalities of its founders. The flagship Sauvignon Blanc is vibrant, fresh, and aromatic, an iconic expression of the region’s signature varietal. But Dog Point also pushes boundaries. Their Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc is a standout, made using wild fermentation in old French oak barrels. It’s textured, complex, and layered, offering a more unconventional take on the classic style. Their Chardonnay is similarly elegant, showing restraint and depth through careful barrel aging, while the Pinot Noir, crafted from low-yielding, organically farmed vines, is delicate yet expressive, capturing the essence of Marlborough’s cooler sub-regions.
Beyond the wine, Dog Point is committed to preserving the biodiversity of the land. The estate features thriving organic orchards, vegetable gardens, beehives, and native plantings that support local ecosystems. The name “Dog Point” itself nods to the area's past, referencing a time when settlers’ sheepdogs went feral and roamed the hillsides, a small detail that connects the vineyard to the region’s early settler history.
Today, Dog Point remains firmly in the hands of the founding families, with the next generation now involved in day-to-day operations, continuing a legacy of stewardship and craftsmanship. Their wines are a tribute not only to Marlborough’s natural beauty but also to a philosophy rooted in patience, tradition, and an unshakeable belief in doing things the right way, not the easy way.