Graham Norton is no stranger to great wine, but this harvest season, he took his passion a step further and joined Invivo Wines’ Cofounders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in Marlborough, New Zealand to experience the winemaking process firsthand.
Graham rolled up his sleeves in the sunny Awatere Valley, getting hands-on with grape picking, tasting juice samples, and assessing fruit quality with his long-term Invivo winemaker partners – an essential step in crafting the next, twelfth, vintage of his GN Sauvignon Blanc.
“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,” says Graham Norton.
The long-standing partnership between Graham and Invivo began in 2014 with a single New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and has since evolved into an internationally acclaimed wine and spirits portfolio, now including ten products and more than 300 accolades. Today, GN Wines is a top-selling brand and commercial success in multiple markets, including the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, USA and Japan.
“Graham has always been hands-on – he personally tastes, blends, and signs off on every vintage with us to ensure his favourite wine is made to his exact taste preferences,” says Invivo Cofounder and Winemaker Rob Cameron. “To welcome him to our vineyard and experience the magic of Marlborough firsthand was a real highlight for all of us.”
The visit culminated in a winemaker’s lunch at Harvest Restaurant in Rapaura, where Graham, Tim, and Rob were hosted by the Mayor of Marlborough and local growers to celebrate the Marlborough region’s wine and food produce, also in attendance was Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Guests dined on a seasonal menu featuring Mills Bay Mussels, New Zealand King Salmon, Pinoli Pine Nuts and local Cranky Goat Cheese. During the event, the Mayor Nadine Taylor presented Graham with the first-of-its-kind ‘Grape Ambassador’ Award, recognising his long-term advocacy for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and the brand’s global success.
“It was my great pleasure to host Graham Norton and award him the title of Official Marlborough Grape Ambassador. Graham is not only a legend and high-profile broadcaster and author, he is also a strong supporter and advocate for Marlborough sauvignon blanc. In fact, our sauvignon blanc is quite a lot like Graham himself – vibrant, refreshing and fun, with razor-sharp acidity! Graham’s visit will do wonders for Marlborough’s profile and keep New Zealand’s premium wine on the international radar.”– Mayor of Marlborough, Nadine Taylor.
Since its launch, GN Wines and Spirits has grown into a powerhouse global brand, with commercial success in key markets, including the UK, where Graham Norton Sauvignon Blanc was the fastest-growing major brand in the category in 2024, with sales up 396% year on year*. In 2024, a glass of GN wine was enjoyed every two seconds by Brits.
