The essence of Marlborough.
Reimagined.

Some places are understood in a single glance. Marlborough isn't one of them. Discover another expression.

Philosophy

Not every transformation is dramatic.
Some begin with a single glass.

The Katalyst was born from a belief that Marlborough's story is far from complete.

Founded by winemaker Kathrin Jankowiec, The Katalyst is a small, handcrafted wine project exploring another expression of one of the world's most celebrated wine regions. Working with carefully selected vineyard sites and small parcels of fruit, each wine is shaped through thoughtful viticulture, patient winemaking and a deep respect for place.

Every decision, from vineyard to bottle, is guided by curiosity rather than convention. The aim is not to redefine Marlborough, but to broaden the conversation around what the region can become. Through considered vineyard choices and a restrained approach in the winery, The Katalyst reveals wines of texture, complexity and elegance that remain unmistakably connected to their origin.

We believe great wine has the power to transform how we experience a place, create meaningful moments and bring people together. Each bottle is an invitation to discover another facet of Marlborough.

Sculptural old vine wood with raw ivory linen and dark slate
THE COLLECTION

The Experience

The Katalyst Sauvignon Blanc bottle on a charcoal limestone pedestal

Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, New Zealand

There is another side to Marlborough. One shaped less by exuberance and more by restraint.

From a small, carefully selected parcel in Marlborough's Southern Valleys, this Sauvignon Blanc reflects the character of the deep clay soils of an exceptional vineyard site. Careful stewardship of the vineyard and a deep respect for both land and vine allow this special place to express itself naturally.

Hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed and barrel fermented, the wine is matured on its lees, allowing time to reveal the full expression of this remarkable fruit. Rather than rushing to bottle, each stage is guided by patience, building texture and depth.

Fermented with a combination of indigenous and selected yeasts, the wine develops layers of complexity and quiet confidence. Vibrant citrus, tropical fruit and delicate savoury notes unfold across a fine mineral line, supported by a generous, mouth-filling palate and a long, elegant finish.

An invitation to discover another expression of Marlborough.

Made for those who seek more than just a drink.

Tasting notes 2025 Tasting notes 2024
Chalky limestone, ivory linen and oak barrel detail in subdued gold light Coming soon

Chardonnay

Wrekin Vineyard, Marlborough, New Zealand

An invitation to experience one of Marlborough's most pristine hillside vineyards.

The biodynamically farmed Wrekin Vineyard is a place where vines are nurtured with intention. Set on perfectly aligned slopes in Marlborough's Southern Valleys, the vineyard is tended with patience, respect and a deep connection to the land. Here, the focus is not on cropping for yield, but on allowing each vine to express the character of an extraordinary site.

Hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed and barrel fermented, this Chardonnay is matured on its lees to capture the quiet beauty and purity of this exceptional vineyard.

Layers of white stone fruit, citrus and subtle toasted nuts unfold over a crisp mineral backbone, bringing together texture, precision and elegance.

Another expression. A different perspective. The same Marlborough.

Made for those who seek more than just a drink.

ABOUT KAT

Kathrin Jankowiec

Originally from Germany, Kat Jankowiec never set out to become a winemaker.

A journey around the world brought her to New Zealand, where a vintage in a Marlborough winery changed the course of her life. What began as a way to fund further travel soon became a vocation. Drawn to both the science and the artistry of winemaking, she immersed herself in the region, spending almost two decades crafting wines for some of Marlborough's most respected producers.

The Katalyst is the natural culmination of that journey.

Created as a small, independent wine project, it allows Kat to explore another expression of Marlborough, one shaped by patience, texture and restraint rather than convention. Working with carefully selected vineyard sites and small parcels of fruit, she creates wines defined by nuance and a sense of place.

For Kat, wine is more than the sum of vineyard and cellar. It has the ability to transform how we experience a landscape, spark conversation and create lasting memories around a table. Every bottle reflects that philosophy: an invitation to discover another expression of Marlborough.

WHERE TO FIND THE KATALYST

Stockists

The Katalyst is available through a carefully selected collection of retailers and restaurants.

MEDIA

Press

CONNECT

We'd love to hear from you.

Whether you're looking for a bottle, a stockist, trade information or simply want to follow the journey, we'd love to connect.

Instagram [email protected]

Join the List