SARAH JESSICA PARKER AND INVIVO BOTTLE THE WORLD’S SPICIEST WINE TREND – A NEW ZEALAND FIRST
Invivo X, SJP launches New Zealand’s first Sauvignon Blanc naturally infused with jalapeño, turning a global TikTok obsession into a proudly Kiwi wine innovation landing on shelves and menus this spring
Sarah Jessica Parker and New Zealand’s very own Invivo Winery are officially bringing TikTok’s favorite wine hack to the mainstream – with a distinctly Kiwi twist. This summer, the partners-in-wine introduce their boldest pour yet: Invivo X, SJP Spicy Jalapeño Sauvignon Blanc.
From Viral Sips to NZ Sauvignon Blanc First
Inspired by the social media craze of dropping fresh jalapeño slices into a glass of wine, the new Invivo X, SJP release turns the global trend into a polished, ready-to-pour format – and a New Zealand first. Invivo Wines’ Co-founders Rob Cameron and Tim Lightbourne partnered closely with Parker to translate the hack into a balanced, premium wine expression.
“Rob, Tim and I spent months getting the balance just right. We wanted a wine with a little bit of heat, but never at the expense of the wine itself. It had to be something we’d genuinely want to pour for friends and have on our own table,” says Parker.
“It’s crisp and refreshing, with the spice coming through gently rather than taking over. It’s what I’ve been reaching for the moment the weather turns warm, always served ice-cold, and it’s already become a favourite in our house. I’m thrilled it’s finally landing in New Zealand, and I hope people enjoy drinking it as much as we enjoyed creating it. I simply love it and I’m so looking forward to visiting New Zealand one day and enjoying a glass of it there!!”
Made with premium New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc grapes, the wine is infused with natural jalapeño and chili extracts, delivering crisp, tropical notes with controlled, buildable heat. With an ABV of 12.5%, Invivo X, SJP Spicy Jalapeño Sauvignon Blanc marks the first New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to bring this trending serve to market, reflecting how wine drinkers are experimenting with flavor – and proof that Kiwi winemakers are setting the pace on flavour innovation.
Classic Winemaking Creds, Modern New Expression
The launch builds on the continued momentum of the Invivo X, SJP partnership, established in 2019 by Parker, Lightbourne and Cameron. Their flagship Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand, has earned more than 70 gold medals and consistent 90-point scores from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and James Suckling. The portfolio has since expanded to include a French Rosé, New Zealand Pinot Noir, 0% Sauvignon Blanc and now a Spicy Jalapeño Sauvignon Blanc.
Rob Cameron, Invivo Cofounder and Winemaker says: “The idea was to build on the familiar flavor cues in Sauvignon Blanc and introduce a gentle, complementary heat on the palate. Jalapeño was a natural fit, thanks to its fresh, green notes. Sarah Jessica’s palate has been hugely important in finding the right balance of heat throughout the process, and honestly, we nailed it! The early response has been phenomenal and people are genuinely obsessed. Grab a bottle, throw in a handful of ice, add your own garnish if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy it in the garden or at the beach or bach. This is a wine that’s made to be enjoyed your way!”
While unexpected, the combination of Sauvignon Blanc and jalapeño is grounded in New Zealand’s rich winemaking roots and history. Both Sauvignon Blanc and jalapeños contain pyrazines, compounds responsible for green, herbaceous notes. Through extensive trials, Cameron, Lightbourne and Parker refined the use of natural jalapeño essences to enhance these characteristics, introducing a buildable warmth that complements the wine’s bright, tropical core.
Kiwi Innovation Goes Global
The Invivo winemakers have already seen the innovation take off overseas — Invivo X, SJP Spicy Jalapeño Sauvignon Blanc is the first New Zealand spicy wine ever to hit the US market, and it’s landed with a bang this US summer.
Invivo sold out its entire US retailer pre-sale of 100,000 bottles, with strong early demand from states like Texas, where Tex-Mex cuisine and year-round sun make for prime spicy-sipping territory. The Kiwi winemakers have plenty more forecast for the second half of 2026 — a strong vote of confidence in New Zealand wine innovation, and proof that when Kiwi winemakers set a trend, the rest of the world follows.
