The journey south.
From the sun-soaked shores of Waiheke Island to the dramatic peaks of Marlborough and Bannockburn, Swiftsure is a bold new collection from the makers of Man O’ War.
Just as Man O' War captures the maritime influences and diverse terroir of Waiheke Island in the north, Swiftsure reflects the distinct landscapes of the south.
Our family-owned vineyards are planted on dramatic sub-alpine hillsides and terraces at the extremes of New Zealand's Southern Alps - rugged terrain layered with jagged greywacke rock and ancient schist.
It is from these challenging, somewhat unforgiving environments that we believe some of the most exceptional wines are crafted.
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For the adventurous ones...
Inspired by the South Island's rugged beauty and the pioneering kiwi spirit it fosters, we celebrate the adventurous ones. The sure-footed who carve their own path, much like the swift-running rivers that forge their way through rock and soil, shaping the environment as they go.
Our wines too are shaped by the forces of nature. Our adventurous vintners thrive on extremes, navigating contrasting climates and land weathered away over the generations to produce the purest expression of soil and spirit.
Wild yet graceful, untamed yet refined, Swiftsure are wines of purity and power, mirroring the majesty of the South.
Swiftsure Marlborough.
A true reflection of the vibrant and contrasting beauty of Marlborough, our wine is crafted from carefully selected sites to capture the essence of this iconic region. Swiftsure Sauvignon Blanc embodies the purity of its environment offering freshness and minerality.
Our Southern Coast Vineyard lies in Marlborough’s
southernmost sub-region, nestled in the shadow of the majestic Kaikoura Ranges. This elevated location, combined with the cool coastal climate and refreshing sea breezes, leads to lower yields but results in intensely concentrated
flavors.
Swiftsure Bannockburn.
Our 5.15-hectare vineyard, exclusively dedicated to Pinot Noir, is surrounded by desert-like landscapes in the heart of Bannockburn.
Planted on an elevated, north-facing river terrace along the southern banks of the Kawarau River, our land is rich in minerals with glacial deposits of schist, windblown loess, and sandy loam that ensure excellent drainage. When combined with the semi-arid continental climate, ideal conditions are created for producing Pinot Noir of remarkable elegance and intensity.
Great wine is about layers – distinct characters that unfold slowly, revealing the essence of the wine. Swiftsure Pinot Noir offers a rich tapestry of taste and structure, expect black fruits, red fruits, hints of schist, and garrigue – ever evolving over time.
Our PEOPLE
An off-piste approach.
No stranger to challenging conditions, winemaker Duncan McTavish has spent over a decade at the helm of Man O’ War Vineyards - making iconic wines on Waiheke Island, one of NZ’s most unique environments.
Duncan graduated from Canterbury’s Lincoln University in 1999 before completing vintages in France, Germany, Australia and the United States, before finally settling at Man O’ War in 2008. As part of a small and passionate team bringing Swiftsure to life, he has relished the opportunity to return to the South where he learned his craft.
Acclaimed for his innovative and adventurous winemaking style, Duncan’s thumbprint ensures Swiftsure is a true expression of both soil and spirit, a blend of unconventional thinking and the rugged sub-alpine landscapes where our vineyards lie.
“McTavish is an enthusiast who frequently thinks outside the square to make very individual wines. He is a leader, not a follower”
— Bob Campbell MW
Sam Taylor's passion for viticulture all started with a school holiday job. From there he recieved a Viticulture Degree from EIT in Hawkes Bay and gained hands-on experience with a range of producers throughout Hawkes Bay, Auckland and France.
Sam joined Man O’ War in 2009, where in time he became Vineyard Manager/Viticulturist. Vineyard management at Man O’ War is challenging but also incredibly rewarding. The property consists of 75 individual vineyards, across two islands (Waiheke & Ponui Islands). Variations in vine density, row width, slope and aspect all create unique growing environments. Learning the vineyards characteristics is a process that takes time and careful observation.
When the team decided to venture south with the vision of establishing Swiftsure Vineyards, Sam embraced the opportunity to lead the viticultural operations in the iconic Marlborough region, relocating with his family and Zoe the Border Collie, who has been a beloved fixture in our vineyards over the years.
Sam continues to keep a guiding eye over Man O’ War.
