Clifford Bay Estate was established by Eric Bowers, a former oil company executive, and his wife Beverley. It specialises in Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling wines. While its grapes are grown in the Awatere valley, its cellar door and restaurant are conveniently located on Rapaura road in Blenheim. The winery's first Sauvignon Blanc was produced from grapes crushed in 1997, and was awarded gold in the Royal Show Time wine competition and three days later another gold in the Air New Zealand Wine Awards. More recent suucess includes the Trophy for Champion Riesling at the Royal Easter Show 2004 and silver for its 2003 Sauvignon Blanc at the 2004 London International Wine Challenge.