Hunter's Wines managing director Jane Hunter was presented with the Wine Marlborough Lifetime Achievement Award at the Marlborough Wine Show awards dinner on Thursday.

The industry body award, which is given out every two years, recognises those who have made significant contributions to the development of the Marlborough wine industry.

"This award is quite overwhelming. It is always humbling to be singled out to receive such an award and is a great honour," Hunter said.

"Marlborough and Hunter's wines have been a major part of my life for over thirty years. 

"It has been a very rewarding journey and to have been part of Marlborough wine's success story has been a privilege."

Hunter, originally from South Australia, moved to the region in 1983 to take up a job as the national viticulturist for Montana Wines, the first company to plant sauvignon blanc in the area.

When she arrived there was only 30 acres, which in the 33 years since had expanded exponentially due to the worldwide demand for Marlborough sauvignon blanc.

Hunter's Wines, started by her husband Ernie Hunter, was instrumental in creating this demand, introducing international drinkers to the variety when it scooped the top prize at the 1986 Sunday Times Wine Festival in London.

Read more at source: Stuff