Celebrating a Double Century Partnership

Not many couples can claim Century Farm awards on both sides of the family. We spoke to Marlborough farmers Locky Taylor and Ally Avery about their ever-evolving farm, and the importance of preserving the region’s history.

Evolving with the Land

The Taylor family has farmed near Ward since 1919, but their land use has changed significantly over the years. Originally a sheep farm, Locky Taylor and his parents expanded it back to its original 1000ha size in the 1990s. With sheep farming in decline, the Marlborough wine boom provided an opportunity, and today, viticulture is their main income stream. They grow Sauvignon Blanc for three wineries while also running 150 cows and a small sheep flock. More recently, they’ve diversified further, restoring 50ha of native bush and planting 100ha of forestry for carbon farming.

Viticulture has become a major focus, with 47ha of grapes on their home block and an additional 80ha property nearby. A new reservoir and irrigation system now supply both properties, ensuring sustainable water use. “There are gullies and wetlands, so only about half of the land becomes canopy area, but we’ve planted 18ha so far,” Locky says.

Adapting to Marlborough’s Climate

The region’s hot, dry summers make it ideal for grape growing, but challenges remain. Water access has been a game-changer for expansion, while wind and spring frosts require careful management. “We’re just down the road from the Dominion saltworks, where evaporation exceeds rainfall—so water retention is key,” Locky explains. Their latest development includes subsurface irrigation, reducing water use by 30%.

Locky and Ally also see potential for viticulture beyond their own land. “My family has grown lucerne in the Grassmere Valley for over 100 years. We sometimes think grapes would thrive there, but water access is the limiting factor,” Ally says.

Expert Support in Viticulture

Farmlands Technical Advisor Simon Bowers has worked with Locky and Ally for over a decade, helping manage their vineyard’s unique conditions. “Because of the wind, we treat their block differently, using bio-stimulants like organic seaweed to help the vines withstand stress,” he says.

Marlborough’s high sunshine hours and low summer rainfall create ideal conditions for growing Sauvignon Blanc. The long growing season allows grapes to ripen with full canopies, contributing to the region’s distinct flavour profile. But soil variation presents challenges. “In the Wairau Valley, you can hit multiple soil types within 100 metres,” Simon explains. “Managing these differences is crucial for vineyard success.”

The Taylors' business model—where vineyard profits support the wider farm—is a common approach among Marlborough growers. “Many high-country farmers have struggled with sheep and beef markets. Grapes provide a stable, high-value option for small fertile flats, helping keep family farms in business,” Simon says.

For Locky and Ally, the shift to viticulture has secured their farm’s future. “My father always said, ‘Stick to what the land is good at,’” Locky says. “For us, that’s grapes. It makes life a lot easier.”