Marathon Downs was schemed over lockdown out of frustration and passion and put in to fruition in 2021, with our first two wines. Since then we have been growing and evolving the line up to create unique handcrafted wines.

Marathon Downs is the name of our family farm in the Awatere Valley, Marlborough. Jess is the fourth generation and her family have been on the property for over 120 years. We farm sheep, beef and arable crops and also grow some grapes as contract growers. Producing our own wine is a stamp of the fourth generation. 

Our wines are made with thoughtfulness and intent. To tell a story and reflect each vintage. To achieve this, we strive to minimise inputs for a true sense of time and place. We use native yeast for ferment, age in neutral oak and bottle with no fining, and minimal or no filtration. Our line up will change shape as we continue to learn and evolve. They are a snapshot of us and each vintage, and authentic to who we are. 

We are excited to be planting our own block on the farm in 2024. There will be some different varietals for Marlborough, ones we enjoy drinking and look forward to sharing them in time. 

Our artwork is drawn by the talented Carly Black from images of the farm. They show our farm story and connection to all parts of the family business. Our logo is based on the original wool bale stencil from the farm and our photos are taken by our close friend and brilliant photographer, Gabriel Bertogg. 

Sustainability is important to us and our use of lightweight green glass for our still wines and cork is intentional for their high recyclability. Annually the farm plants native trees in areas of low production value to add to the biodiversity and create corridors for the movement of wildlife. 180,000 plants have gone in the ground over the last 15 years.