A Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc branded yacht has sailed past Chicago’s Navy Pier, marking another milestone for the Marlborough wine brand as it continues to build its presence in the United States.
The promotion was developed by Whitehaven’s long-standing US distribution partner, E. & J. Gallo Winery, as Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc continues to strengthen its position in the world’s largest wine market. Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc has achieved double-digit growth in the United States in each of the past 10 years and is now the leading ultra-premium Sauvignon Blanc wine category retailing above US$15.
The yacht also reflects Whitehaven’s origins. Founder Sue White and her late husband Greg arrived in Marlborough during a Pacific sailing journey and established Whitehaven in 1994.
“It’s a wonderful reminder of where Whitehaven began,” says Sue White. “When Greg and I arrived in Marlborough by yacht more than 30 years ago, we could never have imagined Whitehaven would one day have this sort of presence in the United States. Seeing a Whitehaven yacht sailing on Lake Michigan brings that story full circle.”
Whitehaven and Gallo have worked together since 2003, and the brand is now widely distributed across the United States and Canada. Continued investment in market development and consumer engagement has helped establish Whitehaven as the leading ultra-premium New Zealand wine brand in North America.
The Lake Michigan promotion reflects both Whitehaven’s sailing heritage and the continued growth of the brand in one of the world’s most competitive wine markets.
Whitehaven Brand and Market Background
Whitehaven Wine Company is a family-owned winery based in Marlborough, New Zealand, established in 1994 by Sue and Greg White following their arrival in Marlborough during a Pacific sailing journey.
Whitehaven and E. & J. Gallo Winery have worked together since 2003. Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc has achieved double-digit growth in the United States in each of the past 10 years and is the leading ultra-premium Sauvignon Blanc retailing above US$15 in the United States and has been recognised as a Hot Import Brand by Shanken News Media.
All Whitehaven wines are Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) certified and Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand accredited. AMW certification independently verifies Marlborough origin, quality standards and sustainable production practices. Whitehaven is also Toitu Carbon Reduce certified.