Sileni Estates was founded in 1997 by Graeme Avery, along with financial director Chris Cowper and winemaker Grant Edmonds. Named after the Sileni of Greek mythology, companions of Dionysus, the winery celebrates the timeless trio of good wine, good food, and good company. Based near Hastings in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s oldest wine region, Sileni crafts precise, fruit-driven wines, including standout Pinot Noir, Syrah, and a celebrated Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Sileni has been certified under the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand scheme since 2002, a commitment to environmentally responsible practices both in the vineyard and winery. Winter grazing with sheep helps to naturally manage weeds and improve soil health, while low-mow grasses minimise tractor use, protecting the vineyard’s structure. In the winery, a minimal intervention approach ensures resource conservation, while recycled lightweight bottles and eco-friendly cartons further reduce environmental impact. Native tree plantings behind the winery encourage biodiversity and enhance natural carbon sequestration, while efforts to protect and revitalise the Paritua stream help maintain a thriving local ecosystem.

Grown across a variety of soil types, this Sauvignon Blanc benefits from the unique characteristics each terrain offers. Gravel soils bring vibrant tropical flavours, clay loams enhance citrus notes, and deep silty soils lift the wine’s aromatic quality. Only the best parcels are selected, with fruit harvested at full ripeness. Cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks preserves the pure fruit character, while time spent on yeast lees post-fermentation develops a beautifully textured and complex palate.

This is a classic regional style with intensely aromatic notes of gooseberry and passionfruit. The palate is rich and full, delivering bright fruit flavours with a long, lingering finish.

Best served lightly chilled, it is a perfect match for white meats and a wide variety of seafood, from oysters and crayfish to seared scallops or a fresh goat’s cheese salad.