No. 1 Family Estate is New Zealand’s premier grower-producer of méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines — a Marlborough estate dedicated entirely to the art of Champagne-style winemaking. Founded in 1997 by Daniel Le Brun, a 12th-generation Champagne grower from Monthelon, the winery is built on heritage, precision, and a singular commitment: to produce world-class sparkling wines using only the traditional method, in the heart of Marlborough.

The estate draws fruit exclusively from vineyards selected for high natural acidity, low yields, and varietal purity — primarily Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, echoing the classic Champagne varietal triad. The family’s deep connection to Champagne technique runs through every element of the process — from whole-bunch pressing to secondary fermentation in bottle and extended lees ageing.

Winemaking is exacting, traditional, and wholly focused. Each cuvée undergoes slow bottle fermentation and rests on lees for a minimum of 18 months — often much longer — allowing for fine bead, soft autolytic character, and remarkable elegance. Dosage is minimal and balanced, and every wine is disgorged on-site to preserve freshness and integrity. No still wines are produced — sparkling is not a sideline here, it is the raison d’être.

The wines are refined and luminous. Cuvée No. 1, the flagship, is crisp and lifted — citrus, white flowers, and almond nougat with a long, mineral finish. Assemblé and Rosé expressions bring depth and finesse, while No. 1 Reserve and No. 1 Rosé show extended lees ageing and a richer, toasty complexity. Across the range, there is a signature of poise — sparkling wines crafted with Champagne DNA and Marlborough precision.

What defines No. 1 Family Estate is its unwavering focus — a winery that does one thing, and does it with discipline, detail, and grace.

These are wines that don’t imitate Champagne — they honour its tradition while speaking clearly of Marlborough’s light, clarity, and confident restraint.