Astrolabe

An astrolabe is an ancient astronomical calculator with a name that translates as ‘star taker’. In

1996, when respected career winemaker Simon Waghorn started his own label, reaching for the

stars seemed appropriate, and he chose the name Astrolabe. Working in a profession at the conflux

of art and science, there is a certain affinity with the artisans who painstakingly crafted these often

ornate instruments. Simon has since established a benchmark style of Marlborough sauvignon blanc

and has been described by New Zealand’s leading Master of Wine, Bob Campbell, as a ‘Sauvignon

Supremo’.

After the international success of his Sauvignon Blanc established Astrolabe’s reputation, Simon gave

up his other winemaking commitments to focus on Astrolabe, which has now become a family

winery. Simon often refers to Marlborough as a winemaker’s paradise for of its ability to produce

world class aromatic white wine and Pinot Noir. Simon has long been an advocate for the recognition

of sub-regional diversity within Marlborough. His convictions are reflected in the wines he makes: a

diverse range of varieties from small plantings around Marlborough with different expressions of

terroir. Simon sources fruit from across the whole Marlborough growing region, pushing as far as the

southern coast, where limestone soils can be found.

Astrolabe is a winemaker brand, and Simon Waghorn makes the wines to suit his personal palate.

Simons crafts his Astrolabe wines with precision and harmony, capturing Marlborough’s intense fruit

and leaving the connoisseur to discover the measured layering of flavors and different dimensions

as they savor each glass.