Sustainability at The Marlborough & Harvest Restaurant​

​At The Marlborough Boutique Hotel & Vineyard and Harvest Restaurant, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are deeply committed to protecting our land, nurturing our community, and providing guests with an authentic Marlborough experience that honours both people and place. Guided by QualMark’s sustainability practices, we strive to balance relaxed luxury with environmental responsibility.

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Organic Vineyard & Gardens

Our vineyard is managed sustainably without additional irrigation, protecting the Wairau Aquifer. All pruning and harvesting are carried out by hand, reducing machinery use and minimising our environmental footprint. The estate’s organic vegetable and herb gardens are hand-planted, tended, and harvested to provide Harvest Restaurant with fresh, seasonal produce — a true garden-to-table experience.

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Estate-Grown Mushrooms

Inspired by the native varieties that flourish naturally across the estate, we now cultivate mushrooms onsite, including Native Oyster, Maitake, Wine Caps, Lion’s Mane, and Shiitake. Grown just steps from the restaurant, these mushrooms bring exceptional freshness and flavor to our menus while reducing food miles and strengthening our garden-to-table philosophy.

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Garden-to-Table Dining

Our menus reflect the rhythms of the seasons, highlighting estate-grown produce and celebrating trusted partnerships with Marlborough suppliers. From Lumina lamb and boutique cheeses to upcoming collaborations with Cloudy Bay Clams and Koromiko Free-Range Eggs, every dish supports our community while offering guests the very best of Marlborough’s bounty.

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On-Site Composting

All garden and kitchen waste are composted onsite, creating nutrient-rich organic matter that is returned to the soil. This regenerative practice improves soil health, reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and significantly lowers our contribution to landfill.

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Water Management

Water sustainability is a key priority. We provide filtered water from our own well throughout the property, served in reusable glass carafes and replenished daily in guest rooms and at turndown. This practice eliminates single-use plastic bottles while maintaining the highest quality for our guests.

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Plastic Reduction & Procurement

We continually review our operations and supplier partnerships to minimise or eliminate plastic use. From compostable packaging to reusable containers, our focus on responsible procurement ensures every decision reflects our environmental values.

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Land Care & Long-Term Commitment

Our 16-acre estate — vineyards, gardens, orchards, and wetlands — is managed with biodiversity and sustainability in mind. By protecting soil, water, and wildlife habitats, we preserve both the beauty and productivity of the estate, ensuring it flourishes as a sanctuary for generations to come.