Marlborough NZ Winemaker MasterClass with Jules Taylor & Geroge Elworthy
Join us for an unforgettable evening with New Zealand wine royalty — celebrated husband-and-wife winemaking duo Jules Taylor of Jules Taylor Wines and George Elworthy of The Better Half Wines.
Born in Marlborough the very year the region’s first vines were planted, Jules Taylor has quite literally grown up alongside Sauvignon Blanc. Widely regarded by the press as the “Queen of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc,” Jules was named New Zealand Winemaker of the Year in 2021 — a recognition of her decades-long dedication to crafting wines of exceptional purity, personality, and place.
After earning postgraduate degrees in viticulture and oenology, Jules rose to become Group Senior Winemaker for one of Marlborough’s largest wineries before consulting for some of the region’s most prestigious brands. Yet it was her passion for authenticity and creative freedom that inspired the launch of Jules Taylor Wines in 2001 — beginning as a humble side project of just 200 cases.
Several transformative vintages spent in Italy helped shape Jules’ philosophy that wine should be about joy, connection, and memorable moments shared around the table — never status or pretension. Today, she remains uncompromising in her approach, making harvest decisions by taste in the vineyard and producing just one small batch of each wine every vintage.
Alongside Jules is her husband, pilot, entrepreneur, and fellow winemaker George Elworthy — founder of The Better Half Wines. When it came time to name his label, George embraced the obvious with a wink and a grin, choosing the playful and tongue-in-cheek name “The Better Half.” Jules may have rolled her eyes, but George dove headfirst back into winemaking, bringing with him a spirit of adventure shaped by his upbringing in rural South Canterbury and a family history steeped in aviation.
Together, George and Jules took the leap in 2006 — leaving behind corporate careers, security, and certainty to pursue their dream full-time while raising two children and building their brands from the ground up in Marlborough.
This special event offers guests the rare opportunity to hear firsthand stories from the vineyard and cellar, explore the wines that have helped define modern Marlborough, and experience the chemistry, humor, and passion behind one of New Zealand wine’s most dynamic couples. Expect an evening filled with extraordinary wines, engaging conversation, that reflects their belief that wine is best enjoyed with great company.
Featuring:
Jules Taylor OTQ Series Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
Jules Taylor Pinot Gris Marlborough 2024
Jules Taylor Chardonnay Marlborough 2024
Jules Taylor Pinot Noir Marlborough 2022
The Better Half Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2025
The Better Half Marlborough Pinot Noir 2022
$20 ticket price includes 1.5 hr tasting of wines and light food pairings by Baker's Best. Space is limited. All wines will be available for purchase with special event night discounts. Please email chelsea@gordonswine.com if you have any allergies at least 48 hours before the event.
TICKETS CANNOT BE REFUNDED WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THE EVENT.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PICK UP YOUR WINE FROM MAIN ST. ON THE EVENING OF THE EVENT, PLEASE LET THE WINE DEPARTMENT KNOW AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE BY CALLING (781) 893-1900 EXT. 130 OR EMAILING DAILYFLASH@GORDONSWINE.COM.
EVENT QUESTIONS? PLEASE EMAIL CHELSEA@GORDONSWINE.COM
