Swift Albarino 75cl

Crowned the inaugural ‘NZ’s Young Winemaker of the Year’ at just 25, Lauren Swift has spent the majority of her life obsessing over grapes in their various forms. Growing up on an orchard in Marlborough, her first job was learning the fundamentals of grape growing (and picking — there was lots of picking) on a neighbouring vineyard.

A post-school European gap year was the push she needed to get her winemaking career off the ground, returning home to Marlborough for a role at Clos Henri Vineyard (owned by the illustrious Bourgeois family from Sancerre). A Bachelor of Wine Science at Hawke’s Bay’s EIT later, Lauren joined the Ash Ridge team and found herself heading up their brand new winery. 

Throw in some more travel, including vintages in California & the Rhone Valley, and the time was finally right to go out on her own.

Lauren persuaded husband Henry to join the team, and together they officially popped the cork on Swift Wines in 2016. 

Lauren and Henry didn't have all the answers, but they did have a dream and the determination to make it happen. 

They’re big believers in working hard and playing harder. 

And that juggling the beautiful chaos of family/business life is much more fun with a wine glass in hand.

This fun new take on Hawke’s Bay Albariño is vibrant, modern and fresh. Think yellow nectarines, white spice, orange blossom, lifted florals & fresh linen on the nose while the palate is textural & full-bodied… with a hint of saltiness and a lick of oyster shell. 

Like all Swift vinos, this Albariño is mindfully made using low intervention winemaking practises for maximum expression of place. The grapes were harvested in March 2025, kept on skins for 24 hours to reduce acidity and increase intensity of flavour, then barrel fermented by natural yeast.

The result is an incredibly versatile (and very, very drinkable) wine. One that’s simply begging to be devoured at your next summer soirée.