Michael Seresin’s work is known by millions around the world – he’s had a hand in filming Midnight Express, the Harry Potter franchise, Gravity, and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (among many others). His filming career began in 1966, and continues to this day – but in 1992, he started on the path to realise another dream: to produce wine in his native New Zealand, in the most natural way possible, to the highest quality.
The Seresin Estate is nestled in picturesque Marlborough, renowned for its stunning landscapes and ideal grape-growing conditions. Michael’s vision was to create wines that are not just a product, but a true reflection of the land and its natural beauty – and he does this with biodynamic farming practices, meaning no synthetic chemicals are used, and the health of the soil and vines is maintained through natural methods.
Beyond the wines, Seresin is also about creating a sense of place and connection. The estate is adorned with olive groves, vegetable gardens, and artworks, reflecting Michael’s belief in living in harmony with nature and celebrating life’s simple pleasures. This ethos is evident in every bottle, where you can taste the care, creativity, and craftsmanship that goes into each sip.
He describes his winery as New World, with an Old World approach. “We are in no hurry when it comes to our wines. We let the wild yeasts that live in our vineyard ferment the grape juice into wine. Working this way does take more time, but we get wines with added savouriness and more mouth-watering textures and flavours. They also show a unique sense of place. Good things come to those who wait.”
From the Handpicked Wine Cellars:
The Seresin Sauvignon Blanc is particularly notable, offering vibrant and refreshing grapefruit flavours that capture the essence of New Zealand’s signature grape. The Beautiful Chaos Pinot Noir is another standout, showcasing elegant layers of fruit and a silky, velvety texture that comes from its fermentation in small clay pots.
