CATALINA SOUNDS

The name Catalina Sounds evolved from the majestic Catalina flying boats that played a vital role across the South pacific during and after World War II. New Zealandâs famous and largest warbird, the Catalina is a rare sight, in fact there are only a handful of these beautiful, iconic planes left in the world today, and we are lucky enough to be associated with one based right here in New Zealand. Through our sponsorship of this rare, passenger carrying, amphibious flying boat we are in some small way helping to ensure the Catalina continues to grace the skies around the stunning Marlborough Sounds and high over the vineyards in the Waihopai Valley where we have made our home.We draw inspiration for our wines from these graceful, unique flying boats and the respect in which they are held, together with the pristine and awe inspiring environment of the Marlborough Sounds â right on our doorstep. With attention to detail, we strive for our wines to step outside the norm and show individuality and personality, garnering respect wherever they are poured, while harnessing the purity and vibrancy that Marlboroughâs climate and landscape are naturally blessed with.Here at Catalina Sounds Wines we are proud to have an on-going association with the New Zealand Catalina Preservation Society and hope to continue our past sponsorship of the plane at various air shows and events.

Matt Ward

When you’re born and bred in Marlborough, the wine industry is bound to rub off on you, and for Matt, that was very much the case. Having honed his craft at some of New Zealand’s most renowned wineries including Mahi Wines, Seresin Estate and Wither Hills as well as vintages at Domaine De Montille in Mersault France, Penner-Ash in Oregon and Weingut J.L. Wolf in Wachenheim Germany, Matt is proud to now call Catalina Sounds home.Matt’s winemaking philosophy is simple - produce wines of exceptional balance. To him, balance is as important in wine as it is in life – we need it to be the best we can be. Matt’s aspiration at Catalina Sounds is to continue producing excellent quality wines of beautiful fruit expression, interest and finesse. He strives to create wines of great honesty and integrity that are a true to their site, while working to build complexity and longevity into the wines.