Two Rivers is a winery named after the two most significant rivers in Marlborough; the Wairau and the Awatere. The company was begun in 2004 by winemaker David Clouston. This is his story.

When were you bitten by the wine bug?

As a young boy growing up in Marlborough, I was always fascinated with the wine industry. But It was my first vintage at Stoneleigh, Circa 1996, when I was 19, that I knew the wine bug had bitten.

When did you form Two Rivers and where were you before then?

Two Rivers was established after time travelling overseas, honing my winemaking skills, mainly in France and Spain, working in every wine region that I could but in 2004, it was time to return home and begin my winemaking journey. It was then that I made my first 10 barrels of Two Rivers Sauvignon Blanc.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Holidaying with family and friends with delicious food, exceptional wine, and thirst quenching gin. 

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I find it very hard to slow down.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Negativity.

Which living person do you most admire?

Ian Botham. He is the world’s most excellent cricketing allrounder and he happens to share the wine passion, too, owning Sir Ian Botham wines. 

What is your greatest extravagance?

Sunset over the Marlborough Sounds, Bluff oysters and Chablis.

When and where were you happiest?

Travelling the world in my early 20s with no strings attached. 

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to be able to play the guitar and sing properly. 

If you were to die and come back as an animal or person who would it be?

Shane Warne. A true legend.