Juju Korea Inc to Import Isabel Estate Wines — Introducing Elegant Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noir to Korea

Juju Korea Inc, a leading importer and distributor of premium wines in South Korea, today announces a new partnership to import and introduce Isabel Estate wines into the Korean market. Under this agreement, Juju Korea will bring in three signature bottlings — Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, and Single Vineyard Pinot Noir — to trade and consumers throughout Korea.

Juju Korea Inc (주주코리아) is well established in Korea’s premium wines and spirits landscape, supplying to major off-trade retailers (department stores, specialty wine shops, e-commerce platforms) and selectively to on-trade (top restaurants, hotel wine lists, wine bars). Its portfolio already includes acclaimed New Zealand, Australian, and European labels, and Juju has built a reputation for bringing boutique, terroir-driven wines to discerning Korean consumers.

Guided by its motto “We know your taste,” Juju Korea emphasizes listening to and anticipating the needs of both direct and indirect consumers — focusing on curating what wine lovers are seeking, rather than pushing supply-driven solutions. This consumer-first approach has underpinned the company’s growth and recognition in the Korean market.

In recent years, Juju Korea has observed a marked rise in demand for expressive white wines. Juju Korea views Isabel Estate as a strategic fit that diversifies and deepens its New Zealand representation — offering styles that complement, rather than replicate, what it already carries. As Mr Eric Choi, CEO of Juju Korea explains,

“As Korean palates evolve, we are seeing a growing thirst for premium white wines. Isabel Estate offers a distinctive style and winemaking vision that fills a gap in our New Zealand roster, and helps us lead in meeting that demand.”

Isabel Estate, part of Australia’s Endeavour Group, seeks to position itself as one of the finest exemplars of Marlborough viticulture and winemaking. Founded in 1980, Isabel Estate is regarded as Marlborough aristocracy: its vines among the earliest planted in the region. Through the 1980s, much of the fruit was purchased by David Hohnen — the pioneer who went on to found Cloudy Bay and help put New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on the world map.

“Isabel Estate is making some of New Zealand’s most exciting wines. The winemaking team led by Jeremy McKenzie is not just great; it is absolutely exceptional.”

— Andrew Callard MW

Today, Isabel Estate’s wines are shaped by Jeremy McKenzie, formerly Senior Winemaker at Villa Maria and voted New Zealand Winemaker of the Year in 2022. That same year, Isabel Estate’s Wild Barrique Chardonnay 2022 was awarded Wine of the Year at the London Wine Competition, confirming the estate’s rising international acclaim. McKenzie’s winemaking philosophy is one of precision and restraint, with a deep respect for site and terroir expression — qualities that define Isabel’s Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noir.

Lloyd Stephens, Director of Export for Endeavour Group, commented:

“This partnership with Juju Korea Inc is an important milestone as we seek to elevate Isabel Estate’s presence in key Asian markets. Juju’s reach, market knowledge, and commitment to quality give us confidence that Isabel will gain the recognition it deserves in Korea.”

Sarah Soo Kyung Henriet, Head of Korea at Nimbility, remarked on the care taken to find the right distribution partner:

“We were particularly meticulous in selecting a partner whose attention to detail mirrors that of Isabel Estate — not only in the vineyard or cellar, but through the logistics, marketing, and on-the-ground relationship with Korean trade. Juju Korea’s commitment to excellence gives us confidence that Isabel Estate will be positioned to become the benchmark wine it aspires to be.”

The first shipments of Isabel Estate’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, and Single Vineyard Pinot Noir are expected to arrive in Korea by end November 2025. They will be rolled out first to trade via curated tasting events and will thereafter be offered through Juju’s established channels — including specialty wine shops, relevant e-commerce platforms, and select restaurant wine lists.

Juju Korea and Nimbility plan to cooperate on education programs, trade support, sommelier engagements, and consumer marketing to build brand awareness and long-term equity for Isabel Estate in Korea.