If New Zealand were in the north Hemisphere, the country would stretch from north Africa to Paris but the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream on European vineyards results in hotter growing conditions than in vineyards of equivalent southern latitude.

Marlborough is on the east coast at 41.5 ° latitude. Average monthly temperature ranges from 7° C in winter to 18° C in summer. Winter nights often drop below freezing, with the minimum about –5° C. Usually after a frost, the day will be clear and sunny with temperatures becoming quite pleasant during the day. Summers are characterised by many days up towards 30°C. Some summers have very few days above 30° C, most will have a few days reaching the low 30° C. Summer nights are cool and responsible for the low average monthly temperatures and for the intensity of flavours the fruit develops from slow ripening.

The average rainfall is around 650mm per year. It is dispersed randomly through the year with a slight dominance in winter. There are often periods of a number of months with almost zero rainfall.