Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Where are your wines produced?
Oyster Bay wines capture the special character of New Zealand. Our Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Rosé and Chardonnay are produced at our winery in Marlborough, and our Merlot, Pinot Grigio, and Sparkling Wines are produced at our winery in Hawke’s Bay.
Where is the Marlborough Wine Region in New Zealand
Nestled at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, Marlborough is one of the world’s most distinctive and exciting wine regions. At Oyster Bay Wines, our Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Rosé and Chardonnay are produced at our winery in Marlborough. The Marlborough region is renowned as one of the best growing regions for Sauvignon Blanc in the world, launching the country onto the international wine stage in the 1980s.
Oyster Bay wines capture the special character of New Zealand. Our Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Rosé and Chardonnay are produced at our winery in Marlborough, and our Merlot, Pinot Grigio, and Sparkling Wines are produced at our winery in Hawke’s Bay.
Can I visit your vineyards/wineries and do you offer winery tours and tastings?
Oyster Bay strives to bring the best of New Zealand wine to the world. Our winemaking efforts focus exclusively on producing Super Premium wines that capture the character of our special place. As such, we currently do not operate tastings, or vineyard/winery tours.
Brand
Where can I buy Oyster Bay merchandise?
Oyster Bay focuses exclusively on making Super Premium quality wines for people around the world to enjoy. Producing branded merchandise is not a focus for us at this time, and therefore we do not currently have anything of this nature available for purchase.
Storing and Drinking
How can I keep the wine fresh once a bottle is open?
To keep an open bottle of wine fresh, ensure the cap is tightly sealed after every glass pour.
How long will your wine last when opened?
If stored correctly (see above), our white and rosé wines should last up to five days, while our red wines should last up to three days after opening.
I have found an old bottle of wine. Is it ok to drink?
This depends on the wine and how it has been stored. If it has been stored correctly it should still be enjoyable.
What temperature should wine be served at?
The perfect serving and drinking temperature for wine is:
Sauvignon Blanc: 8°C or 46°F
Pinot Gris: 7°C or 45°F
Chardonnay: 10°C or 50°F
Pinot Noir: 15°C or 60°F
Merlot: 15-18°C or 60-65°F
Rosé: 8-13°C or 46-55°F
Sparkling Cuvée Brut: 6-8°C or 43-47°F
Sparkling Cuvée Rose: 6-8°C or 43-47°F
Ingredients and Nutrition
I have coeliac disease. Are your wines gluten free?
Our wines are considered gluten free as they are made from grapes which contain no gluten, and no gluten containing products are added during the winemaking process.
Are your wines suitable for vegetarians/vegans?
Occasionally, we use animal products such as egg whites, milk proteins or gelatine during the winemaking process to help improve purity, clarity and flavour. Although no traces of these animal products remain in the finished wines, this may make them unsuitable for some vegans and vegetarians.
I'm allergic to eggs. Do you filter your wine using egg products?
Some of our wines use egg-based refining agents however no material traces remain in the finished wines.
I'm yeast intolerant. Is there any yeast left in the wine after it is sterile filtered?
There will be some yeast left in the wine at the end of the winemaking process, however, the fermentation process should generate enough heat to break down the proteins in yeast that typically cause intolerances. If you have a high sensitivity to yeast, or need further clarification we recommend you consult an allergist.
I'm pre-diabetic. Can you advise how much sugar is in your wine?
Residual sugar varies between different wine styles. Please refer to each wine’s technical specifications for more information. These can be found under “Technical Specifications” on their respective pages on this website.
I have a 100% organic diet. Do you use any pesticides/herbicides or non-organic fertilizers with the grapes in your wine?
Oyster Bay is a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand; however, we are not certified organic. Our vineyard staff conscientiously use pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers during the growing season to ensure our fruit is of the highest quality and unaffected by pests and other harming influences. Learn more about our sustainability practises here.
I had an allergic reaction to your wine. What could have caused it?
Several Oyster Bay wines may have residual and naturally occurring sulfites, proteins, and a range of other organic compounds which are consistent (if to different degrees) across all varietals and brands. Some people may even react to alcohol itself. If you are reacting to one type of wine, try switching to another. If symptoms persist, please see your doctor.
Why is the alcohol % different on this year's vintage?
Alcohol percentage may differ slightly due to variations in conditions throughout the growing season.
What is the nutritional information for your wines?
Nutritional information:
COMPONENT | CONTENT | %DV PER 100ML SERVE | %DV PER 750 ML BOTTLE |
---|---|---|---|
Carbohydrates | 2.2 g/100mL | <1 | 5% |
Total Fat | <0.1g/100mL | 0 | 0 |
Saturated Fat | <0.1g/100mL | 0 | 0 |
Trans Fat | <0.1g/100mL | 0 | 0 |
Protein | 0.1g/100mL | <1 | <1 |
Sodium | 1.8mg/100mL | <1 | <1 |
Calories per serving:
ABV% | ALCOHOL KCAL | 2G/L RS | 4G/L RS | MAXIMUM KCAL PER 100ML |
---|---|---|---|---|
12% | 64.6 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 66.1 |
12.5% | 67.3 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 68.8 |
13% | 70.0 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 71.5 |
Wines
Is your Sauvignon Blanc wooded (oaked)?
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc is not oaked; it undertakes a slow, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks before it’s blended and bottled young to retain its hallmark fresh, crisp and vibrant fruit flavours.
Is Sauvignon Blanc sweet?
Whilst Oyster Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has a flavour profile of stunningly aromatic tropical fruits and bright citrus notes, it is not considered a sweet wine and maintains a balanced, crisp natural acidity. Sauvignon Blanc is generally considered to be a dry wine, delivering a crisp, elegant, and refreshing finish.
I have noticed a change in the wine. Is it different vintage?
Each vintage may differ slightly due to variations in conditions throughout the growing season. Flavour perception can also vary depending on social and climatic conditions, and food being consumed.