Graham Norton spotted in Marlborough harvesting grapes for 12th vintage of Graham Norton Sauvignon Blanc

Graham Norton has swapped the stage for the vineyard this week in sunny Marlborough while in New Zealand for his first-ever live tour down under! 

The beloved Irish comedian rolled up his sleeves to experience the winemaking process behind his award-winning Sauvignon Blanc with Kiwi winemakers Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron from Invivo Wines.

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

His visit wrapped up in style with a winemaker’s lunch at Harvest Restaurant in Rapaura, featuring top-notch local produce from local growers, including Mills Bay Mussels, New Zealand King Salmon, Pinoli Pine Nuts, and local Cranky Goat Cheese. To top it off, the Mayor of Marlborough, Nadine Taylor, even crowned Graham the region’s first-ever ‘Grape Ambassador’.

“It was my great pleasure to host Graham in Marlborough and award him the title of Official Marlborough Grape Ambassador. Graham is not only a legend and high-profile broadcaster and writer, he is also the world’s greatest advocate for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a lot like Graham himself – vibrant and refreshing with razor-sharp acidity!” Nadine said.

It looks like Graham’s found his happy place – and we’ll drink to that!