Home About Us Vineyard Kitchen Our Wines News Social Media Distribution Orders Contact Us About Us Family Estate Our People Vineyards & Viticulture Winery Marlborough Join the Saint Clair Wines mailing list Search Wines Reserve Range Pioneer Block Range Premium Range Vicar's Choice Range Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay Riesling Pinot Gris Grüner Veltliner Gewürztraminer Viognier Rosé Pinot Noir Merlot Cabernet Merlot Malbec Syrah Trophies Connect with Saint Clair Follow @saintclairwine View Saint Clair on YouTube View Saint Clair on YouTube View Saint Clair on Flickr View Saint Clair on Flickr Subscribe to Saint Clair RSS Subscribe to Saint Clair RSS Read the Saint Clair Family Estate Blog Read the Saint Clair Family Estate Blog Saint Clair Social Media Feeds About Us Home > About Us Our Story Saint Clair Family Estate is owned by Neal and Judy Ibbotson, viticulture pioneers in Marlborough since 1978. Grapes were originally supplied to local wine companies; however a desire to extend the quality achieved in the vineyard through to the finished wine led to the establishment of Saint Clair Family Estate in 1994. The Saint Clair name originates from the vineyard property, first settled by the Sinclair family. Pioneer James Sinclair built one of the first homes in Blenheim and was closely associated with the early development of the town. Over time the name of the property reverted to the original Saint Clair. The company's mission is to create world-class wines that exceed their customers' every expectation. Neal Ibbotson combines his extensive viticultural expertise plus Marlborough’s mix of climate and soils with the talent of one of New Zealand’s leading winemaking teams. From 1994 when wines from the first vintage all won medals including gold, the name Saint Clair has been synonymous with quality and its award-winning record continues today. Top International accolades include New World Producer of the Year at the Sommelier Wine Awards UK 2017 and 2012, Vienna International Wine Challenge New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year 2016, 2015, 2013 and 2012 and a listing in the Top 10 Chardonnays of the Year 2016 with Saint Clair Pioneer Block 11 Cell Block Chardonnay 2014 (Chardonnay du Monde). Neal & Judy Ibbotson Family Estate Saint Clair Family Estate was founded by Neal and Judy Ibbotson who are the directors of the winery with more than 30 years viticulture knowledge of the Marlborough region. The company is a family business with the next generation also involved. Son Tony is responsible for the design of all Saint Clair’s packaging, promotional material and advertising. He owns a design consultancy business, the Creative Method, in Sydney. Tony designed the original Saint Clair labels back in 1994, when he was a student. He has been refining and expanding the range of Saint Clair labels ever since. Daughters Sarina and Julie both work within the business in sales and marketing after studying wine business marketing at Adelaide. THE IBBOTSON FAMILY (from left) Sarina, Tony, Julie, Neal and Judy back to top of page Saint Clair Family Estate :: Marlborough :: New Zealand Vintage | Contact Us | Distributors | Trade & Media | Orders | Join Mailing List Saint Clair Wines RSS Follow Saint Clair on Twitter Follow Saint Clair on Facebook