In the 19th century, New Zealand was one of the places in the world where a major gold rush occurred with people coming from all over the world in search of gold and a better life. While it’s true that many amassed great fortunes during the global gold rushes, many, many more found themselves far from home without the untold riches they once dreamed of. One such dreamer and adventurer was William Jones, a British ploughman who came to New Zealand during this period. Unlucky in prospecting for gold, William stayed in New Zealand and returned to his craft with land he acquired in Marlborough.

Four generations later and the Jones passion for the land is matched by their business acumen, with the family expanding their land ownership in the Wairau Valley by purchasing the Starborough homestead in the Awatere in 1992. Then in 2012 they purchased the River Farm brand, a 100% family-owned and operated brand.

One sip of this stunning wine would lead you to believe that, all those years later, the descendants of William Jones, have struck gold in his memory. Pale in the glass with an intense nose of Meyer lemon, grapefruit pith and ripe passionfruit alongside green apple and elderflower cordial. The purity of fruit is evident as you dive into the juicy and focussed palate with tangy acid and lovely length. The finish is crisp and refreshing with a beautiful aftertaste of pear and white flowers. It’s liquid gold.