As Cloudy Bay celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, founder David Hohnen returned to the Marlborough estate to join in the festivities and to share his reflections on the journey he started.

What would you like to say to wine lovers that chose Cloudy Bay since 1985 ?

‘First, I would say thank you. You’ve been enjoying Cloudy Bay wines for 40 years, so we’re grateful. 
And I’ll go one step further and say; strike a pin for those of us who were here for the last 40 years, and we can be your ambassador.’

What is your favourite Cloudy Bay vintage ?

Did you imagine Cloudy Bay growing to be what it is today ?

‘No. You know, I didn’t have a dream, I was reacting to what was here, and I had the enthusiasm and the belief in it. But I didn’t have a big dream.’

Going through the vineyard, what to you makes this terroir so special ? 

‘Before the engineers putting the banks along the river, it used to flood and spread out all over the valley, and on the side valley it was similar. It created this pebbles, this gravely soil. And this soil is perfect because it is not too rich, but with the irrigation it is absolutely perfect; you get that intensity and this ripe Sauvignon Blanc, which is often rare. All thanks to the floods.’