Raise a Glass
To celebrate the milestone that is their 35th vintage, we sit down with second-generation winemaker Sara Stocker of Allan Scott Family Winemakers to toast three and a half decades of family, innovation, hard work and laughter.
Words Lucinda Diack
Siblings Josh Scott and Sara Stocker are passionate second-generation winemakers.
Standing on the roadside in Marlborough today, you are greeted with row upon row of perfectly planted vines, producing some of the finest wines in the world – a far cry from what it was 50 years ago.
A pioneering idea in 1990 to start their own family label saw Allan Scott Family Winemakers become one of a small number who made up the first wave of the independent winemakers. Today, they have blossomed into a thriving family-owned business now led by second-generation winemakers, siblings Sara Stocker and Josh Scott. ‘Being a family-owned and operated wine business is rare,’ Sara explains. ‘And to be able to celebrate 35 years of that is really special.’
The company’s philosophy goes far beyond simply producing wine. It is about creating experiences, supporting community, and maintaining a holistic approach to life. ‘We believe in everything in moderation,’ Sara emphasises. ‘Both Josh and I are very adventurous people and have been competing in several multi-sports events, so it aligns with our values to be able to sponsor sport events and illustrate that you can enjoy a drink or two as part of an active healthy lifestyle.
‘Who doesn’t love having a glass of bubbles to celebrate!’ And when the bubbles tastes as good as their Cecilia range, it is a no-brainer. ‘It is about finding the joy in life and not taking everything too seriously.’
Sara and Josh are passionate advocates for community and relish being able to support local events across the country. Involved in everything from golf tournaments to music festivals, connecting with people and sharing their story is a huge motivator for the duo. ‘We love coming together with friends and family to have a laugh and fun – and knowing we can be a small part of contributing to that for other people as well is really special,’ says Sara.
Their love of hosting, and sharing their story, is evident from the moment you step onsite at Allan Scott – with the cellar door allowing you to experience the passion for winemaking, and their bistro an opportunity to truly experience the wine alongside perfectly paired dishes crafted by the restaurant team led by Matt Heath.
‘We love coming together with friends and family to have a laugh and fun.’
Reflecting on 35 years, Sara and Josh are quick to shy away from their recognition and award-winning success both here in New Zealand and internationally. Sara is humble in her description of their success. ‘We’re not great at celebrating ourselves,’ she admits with a laugh. ‘But this year we will change that. We are privileged with the team that we have making incredible wines and we love what we do.’ This down-to-earth attitude is perhaps their most endearing quality, reflecting the genuine passion that drives their winemaking.
It is an attitude that transcends generations, with father Allan humble about his own place in winemaking history. Raised in North Canterbury on farm before working as a shearer, Allan and his wife Catherine (Cathy) made the decision to move to Blenheim, Marlborough in 1972. They began contract-growing vegetables for seed around Cathy working full-time as a nurse and Allan shearing – a decision that ignited Alan’s green thumb. ‘Something special was happening in Marlborough at this time,’ he describes, with land being purchased for growing grapes. ‘The notion of growing fruit to produce a different product entirely was absolutely intriguing.’
Above Along with the core range of Allan Scott Estate wines, there is a single vineyard selection of prestigious wines that uses the best grapes and careful cellaring to produce a limited volume of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir. In 1999, the winery also released the Cecilia range which now includes three bubbles, all of which are produced onsite.
And so began his foray into grapes. From early days working at Montana, to collaborating with some of the biggest brands in the industry at the time, Allan studied the craft of viticulture and was involved in planting some of the first grapes in the region, firmly cementing himself at the heart of the burgeoning industry. As the wine industry evolved and land was converted from pasture to vines, Allan and Cathy made the decision to plant their own vines, and by the mid-1970s were contract grape-growing, before establishing their own label in 1990.
‘Being a family-owned and operated wine business is rare – and to be able to celebrate 35 years of that is really special.’
‘Mum and Dad are still our biggest mentors,’ says Sara, ‘and it is really special to think we have three generations working across the business, with our own kids getting out and helping at harvest and during busy periods.’
Innovation has always been a key driver of the family’s success and continues under the custodianship of Sara and Josh. From exploring sustainable viticulture to experimenting with new wine styles, they are constantly pushing boundaries. Recent ventures include Josh’s innovative range under the label By Josh Scott, which features a unique green ginger wine and explorations into natural wine production.
Then there is Allan Scott Effervesce, which sees the very best single-estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes – selected for their colour and flavour – pressed, fermented and bottled on land, before being transported to a secluded family location to be aged underwater. ‘For nine years they sleep on the ocean’s bed, 13 metres deep, while the wine matures. The extended ageing has bestowed upon it a remarkable depth and complexity,’ explains Sara. ‘Effervesce Méthode Traditionnelle is a true testament to the artistry of ageing and the influence of terroir.’ A highly rare innovation in winemaking, it has been created for the curious.
‘Every year is busy,’ concludes Sara, ‘but this one is extra busy with celebrations as we have festive releases ahead with some amazing new vintages in the true Marlborough style, and 35th celebratory events planned over summer.’
While their 2025 Sauvignon Blanc is already on the shelves, there is no doubt plenty more to come from this dynamic family label – and plenty more glasses of Cecilia to be toasted!
A family affair – Allan (left) and Cathy Scott (pink dress), with son Josh and daughter Sara. During busy periods the next generation can also be found lending a hand.
