Kono

Kono is a unique Māori-owned wine producer, established in 1998 as part of Wakatū Incorporation and collectively owned by around 250 families with ancestral ties to the land. Based in Marlborough and Nelson, the company operates with a long-term intergenerational vision rooted in kaitiakitanga—guardianship of the land—and a commitment to sustainability, cultural heritage and environmental responsibility.

The vineyards span diverse sub-regions, producing mainly Sauvignon Blanc alongside Pinot Noir and aromatic whites, with a focus on expressing place through fruit purity and natural balance. Farming is certified under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, and practices emphasise soil health and minimal environmental impact. Chief winemaker Bruce Taylor leads production, crafting wines that combine Marlborough’s vibrant fruit profile with a strong sense of origin and cultural identity.