Steve and Ange Derig’s journey from city life to a Marlborough vineyard has seen the couple embrace a new lifestyle centred around their thriving vineyard. As active Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative (MGGC) members, they now contribute significantly to the region’s viticulture and sustainability efforts.
In 2017, the Derigs moved from Auckland to Marlborough, leaving behind a successful business and urban comforts for the allure of vineyard life. “We bought the property in 2017,” Steve recalls. “We had a property and business in Auckland, a bach up north, and we pretty much sold everything to start anew in Marlborough.” This decision marked the beginning of their journey into grape growing, transforming an olive orchard into a thriving vineyard. “We arranged with the previous owners to take out all the olives while we were still in Auckland,” Ange remembers. The transition was swift and dramatic, but it set the stage for their future in viticulture.
A key factor in their successful transition was joining the MGGC. “Our local viticulture contractor, MGGC member Daniel Ellin, recommended that we looked at the cooperative for a good solid start for newbies like us that had had no involvement in the industry,” Steve explains. Having experience with cooperatives from his previous business, Steve appreciated the cooperative model’s benefits. “Your smallest guy is just as important as the biggest guy,” he says. This approach gave the Derigs the assurance and support needed to navigate their new venture. The cooperative provided technical support, advice on best practices, and assistance when it came to critical decisions. “I don’t think we could have done this without the local contractor and the Marlborough co-op. We wouldn’t have got through this in one piece, and that’s pretty much fact, to be honest,” Steve explains. “They were fantastic, always ready to help and guide us. Their technical support, their second-looking at situations. And 100% we have had that support the whole way through.”
Their vineyard is now part of MGGC’s Heartland project, which supplies high-quality Sauvignon Blanc to international markets, including Sainsbury’s in the UK. Their success with the first vineyard led the Derigs to invest in another property in the Wairau Valley. “We didn’t hesitate to buy it because we knew we had the cooperative’s support,” Steve says. The new vineyard, known for producing exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, is also part of the Heartland project.
Sustainability is a core value for the Derigs. “We’re trying to give back to the community some native corridors by planting thousands of native plants and creating wetlands,” Ange explains. Their property features springs, ponds, and native corridors, which attract diverse wildlife. “We’re excited about the birdlife returning to our property,” Ange adds, highlighting their efforts to restore and enhance the local ecosystem. The Derigs have become integral members of the community. Steve is involved in local committees, while Ange manages their busy bed and breakfast, which attracts international visitors. “We have no plans to leave this place,” Ange says.
Their latest adventure involved joining a cooperative-organised research tour to California, which deepened their knowledge of MGGC’s largest customer The Wine Group. As they look to the future, the Derigs remain dedicated to nurturing their vineyards and contributing to the region’s vibrant wine-growing community. “We’ve made fantastic friends and built a wonderful life here,” Ange reflects.
Proud members of the Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative
Celebrating its tenth year in operation, Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative (MGGC) is renowned for its exemplary Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region.
MGGC stands apart as a cooperative, owned and operated by its members, who reap benefits including assured supply agreements, annual profit share, and essential support for successful crop cultivation.
Rather than simply selling wine, MGGC crafts bespoke wines in collaboration with global wine buyers, catering to the unique demands of their markets. As a cooperative, profit stays local, so in supporting MGGC you help support a vibrant Marlborough community.
Marlborough Heartland is a premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, crafted through an unmatched partnership of grower families, respected winemakers and a pioneering spirit with an unwavering commitment to quality artisanship.
