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Martinborough is the capital of the Wairarapa wine region.

The Wairarapa region is characterised by rolling hill country sandwiched between rugged coastlines and bush-clad mountains. As you drive through the region you will see grazing sheep, sheltered river valleys and lots of grapes and olives. The region's population is small and concentrated around the rural settlements of Martinborough, Greytown,  Featherston, Gladstone, Carterton and Masterton.

Amongst the best of the Wairarapa's 50 wineries include:

The region's vineyards tend to be planted on high alluvial terraces. The soils tend to be deep stony and free draining. Climatically the area is similar to Marlborough with low rainfall, high sunshine hours and cool nights.

While small in terms of total wine production, Martinborough's and the Wairarapa's boutique wineries have established enviable international reputations for the quality of their wines, especially Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. Pinot Noir is notoriously difficult to make well. The grapes must be extremely ripe when picked,  have very high sugar levels, and are best suited to cool climate regions.

The region's close proximity to New Zealand's capital city Wellington, makes it a popular weekend and holiday destination. While there are few large hotels, there are plenty of comfortable farm stays, bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels. A good example being the architecturally designed chalets at Margrain Vineyard. There are also a small number of exclusive retreats  such as the historic and recently renovated Martinborough Hotel.

New Zealand wine regions - follow a link for visitor information and listings of top wineries.

Auckland

Gisborne

Hawke's Bay

Martinborough

Nelson

Marlborough

Canterbury

Otago

Local Events

February

Tauherenikau Horse Races, Tauherenikau.

Masterton Show, Annual A & P Show for families, farmers and visitors.

Wairarapa Dragon Boat Festival, Henley Lake, Masterton.

Big Coast Mountain Bike Ride, Rimutaka Incline Featherston.

Wairarapa Wine and Food Festival, Masterton.

“Shakespeare in the Vineyard”, Gladstone Vineyard Gladstone

March

Golden Shears, Masterton.

2nd Martinborough Country Fair, March 6, 2004, Martinborough.

Castlepoint Beach Horse Races.

Martinborough 'Round the Vines' fun run.

Genesis Wairarapa International Balloon Fiesta, Masterton.

June

BrewNZ, 2 - 6 June 2004, Wellington.

The Food Show, 18 - 20 June 2004, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, telephone +64-0800-727469.

October

Wairarapa A&P Show, Clareville Show grounds, Carterton.

November

Wairarapa Garden Festival.

Toast Martinborough wine festival, November.

Ata Rangi ("new beginning" or "dawning sky") was a barren 5-hectare paddock when Clive Paton bought it in 1980. He was one of a handful of winemaking pioneers in Martinborough attracted to the area by two key features -- the localised, free-draining shingle terrace some 20 metres deep, and the lowest rainfall records of anywhere in the North Island. Ata Rangi's wines are always superb and easier to obtain than those of neighbouring winemaker Dry River. Whilst best known for its award winning Pinot Noir, I have no hesitation in recommending Ata Rangi's smooth and buttery Chardonnay, and their Celebre - a mouth filling blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that is complex, fruity and flavorsome. The winery's 1999 Pinot Noir was awarded the trophy for best Pinot Noir at the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2001 in London.  Ata Rangi has previously won this trophy on two occasions, with its 1993 and 1994 vintage Pinot Noir wines. On a recent visit to New Zealand, Queen Elizabeth II drank Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 1999 at the State Banquet – one of only two wines served to the 270 guests. Ata Rangi wines represent excellent value for money, and are exported to Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States of America, Singapore and Brazil. For more information contact: Clive Paton or Phyll Pattie, PO Box 43, MARTINBOROUGH. phone: (06) 3069570, fax: (06) 3069523, e-mail: wines@atarangi.co.nz.

Dry River Wines are widely regarded as some of the very best that New Zealand has to offer, right across their entire spectrum of styles. Wine maker Dr Neil McCallum is one of the pioneers of the region. His top varieties include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Riesling. These wines are so well regarded that they sell-out almost immediately on release, with wines being rationed to repeat buyers. This is one winery that has little need of marketing or PR. In fact, the only way to purchase Dry River wines is to go on their carefully administered mailing list, but be warned, inactive mailing members are periodically "culled" to make way for those awaiting an opportunity to be "allowed" to purchase these great wines. For more information contact: Dr Neil McCallum, PO Box 72, MARTINBOROUGH, phone: (06) 3069388, fax: (06) 3069275.

Margrain Vineyard was planted in 1992 and produced its first vintage in 1995. The winery's capacity was recently increased with the purchase of the more mature Chifney vineyard, right across the road from the original four hectare site. Wine maker Strat Canning is developing a good reputation for the quality of Margrain wines, with recent competition successes helping. Margrain gained gold at the Royal Easter Wine Show 2001 for its Botrytis Selection Riesling 2000 and also at the  Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2000 for the same wine, was awarded Champion Riesling at the 1999 Air New Zealand Wine Awards, a gold for his Unfiltered Pinot Noir 1998 at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 1999 and also "Champion Riesling" for his Proprietors Selection Riesling 1999 at the same competition. Owners Daryl and Graham Margrain give visitors a big welcome and take pride in the operation of the on vineyard accommodation and conference facilities.  For more information contact:  Daryl Margrain, PO Box 97, MARTINBOROUGH, phone: (06) 3069202, fax: (06) 3069297, e-mail: margrain@xtra.co.nz.

Martinborough Vineyard established the Wairarapa's reputation for the production of high quality Pinot Noir wine. In 1978 Government scientists determined  that the Martinborough region shared important characteristics with Burgundy. This resulted in the establishment of Martinborough Vineyard by one of those scientists, Dr Derek Milne, together with a group of 5 other enthusiasts. The winery won the trophy for champion Pinot Noir at the each of the 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990 Air New Zealand Wine Awards (and then stopped competing nationally). With its 1994 vintage Pinot Noir it put New Zealand Pinot on the international stage by winning the trophy for best Pinot Noir in the world at the International Wine Challenge in London. The winery also makes an excellent Chardonnay and very good Riesling, and Botrytis Riesling wines. Its Chardonnay 1998 together with its Pinot Noir 1998 were  awarded silver at the International Wine Challenge 2000.  The winery welcomes visitors for tastings in an impressive wine tasting room designed by Wellington architects John Waddy and Hugh Tennent. The tasting room is surrounded by a cottage garden where visitors can linger or picnic with a glass of Martinborough wine. For more information contact: Janine Tulloch, General Manager, PO Box 85, MARTINBOROUGH, phone: (06) 3069955, fax: (06) 3069217, e-mail: winery@martinborough-vineyard.co.nz.

Murdoch James Estate is owned by Roger and Jill Fraser. In 1986 they planted their first Pinot Noir and Syrah vines on the historic “Saleyards Block” located on the Martinborough Terraces. From the early vintages, the wines made under the Murdoch James Estate label were gold medal and trophy winners. In 1998, the Fraser family purchased the old Blue Rock Vineyard, located 8 kilometers south of Martinborough Village on the Dry River terraces, a vineyard also first planted in the mid-1980’s, with mainly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling vines. More recent plantings of Syrah, Pinot Gris and new Pinot clones have increased the area under vines to 25 hectares.  Murdoch James Estate recently gained BIOGRO status. The winery features a large tasting room and café, from which visitors can look out over the river valley to Lake Wairarapa and, beyond, the Rimutaka Ranges. For more information contact: Roger and Jill Fraser, P O Box 37, Martinborough, phone: +64-6-306 9165, fax: +64-6-306 9120, e-mail: info@murdoch-james.co.nz.

Nga Waka Vineyard was established as a family business by Roger and Carol Parkinson in 1988, with he objective of producing small volumes of top quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc wines. its name was taken from Maori Legend, which has it that the the three hills behind Martinborough were formed by the three canoes of the famed Polynesian explorer Kupe, and that these canoes were carried inland by a huge earthquake to come to rest in their present location. Nga Waka Wines have an established reputation for quality and consistency with the 1995 vintage Sauvignon Blanc being awarded the Trophy for Champion Sauvignon Blanc at the 1995 Air New Zealand Wine Awards. For more information contact: Roger Parkinson, PO Box 128, MARTINBOROUGH, phone: (06) 3069832, fax: (06) 3069832, email: ngawaka@ngawaka.co.nz.

Palliser Estate is one of the largest producers of wine in the Region, and also one of the best. Wines are affordable, and graded according to quality. Cheaper wines are labeled under the Pencarrow brand name with the best wines labeled "Palliser" wines. Wines of particular note are the Palliser Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Indeed, the quality of the winery's Chardonnay seems to have increased in quality each year with it now ranked amongst a handful of New Zealand best Chardonnay's. Similarly its Sauvignon Blanc is regarded by many as one of the best outside of Marlborough. The winery's 1999 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, its 1999 Noble Riesling and its 1996 Methode Champenoise all struck gold at the 1999 Air New Zealand Wine Awards, and its Pinot Gris 2000 was judged "Champion Other Specified White Variety" at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2000. For more information contact: Richard Riddiford & Allan Johnson, PO Box 110, MARTINBOROUGH, phone +64 6 3069019, fax +64 6 3069946, e-mail: palliser@palliser.co.nz.

Porters vineyard was planted by Annabel and John Porter in 1992. It is a tiny winemaker specialising in Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wines (just 5 acres located on Kitchener Street, the main road into Martinborough).  Yields are low and the emphasis is on producing grapes of the best quality every vintage. Porter's wines are served in top Wellington restaurants including Logan Brown, The White House, Boulcott Street Bistro and Icon. Organic principles and practices are adopted wherever possible. Vine prunings are either burnt or mulched back into the soil, the pips and skins from the pressed grapes are composted and used as mulch, and sprays are kept to a minimum. In addition to wine Porter's produces a tiny quantity of essential lavender oil and  its own extra virgin olive oil. For more information contact: Annabel or John Porter, 47 Kitchener Street, MARTINBOROUGH, phone +64 6 306 9013, fax: +64 6 306 8228 , e-mail: porterspinot@xtra.co.nz. 

Schubert is new to Martinborough. Founded by Kai Schubert in 1998, we are picking this winery to do wonderful things. Kai is a graduate of  Geisenheim Viticulture and Oenology University in Germany, and  with his partner Marion Deimling is realising his dream of establishing his own vineyard and winery. In October 1998 Kai acquired a small, established vineyard in Martinborough and about 40 hectare of bare land just north of Martinborough, at Dakins Road.  While not yet ready to produce Pinot Noir, the winery is currently establishing a strong reputation for the quality of its Cabernet style and Chardonnay wines. Its Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 was awarded a gold medal at the Royal Easter Wine Show 2002. For more information contact: Kai Schubert, 57 Cambridge Road, MARTINBOROUGH, phone: (06) 3068505, fax: (06) 3068506, e-mail: info@schubert.co.nz.

Solstone Estate Winery is a small boutique vineyard located in Masterton - an area to watch. The winery is owned and operated by Lloyd and Elizabeth Barrett-Hackel. Vines are planted in Bordeaux style with the rows close together with low-trellised vines at knee height. River stones absorb the sun's warmth by day and radiate it night, to help the vines to produce their full flavoured grapes. Varieties grown and produced include Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Solstone Estate features tastings, a Restaurant and a regular schedule of "Solstone Wine Down Day" events to keep visitors entertained.  For more information contact: Lloyd and Elizabet Barrett-Hackel, 119 Solway Crescent, MASTERTON, phone 64 -06-377 5505, fax 64-06-377 7504, e-mail solstone@xtra.co.nz.

Stratford Wines is new to Martinborough. It is owned and named after wine maker Strat Canning. While rarely seen, Stratford's Pinot Noir and Riesling wines are of a high quality and well worth searching out to taste. Michael Cooper in his Buyer's guide to New Zealand Wines 2002 describes Stratford's 2000 vintage Pinot Noir as "a lush, full-coloured wine with lovely depth of sweet, ripe fruit characters, cherryish and spicy...a deliciously rich red that should unfold splendidly over the next two or three years". For more information contact: Strat Canning, 115 New York Street, MARTINBOROUGH, phone: (06) 3069257, fax: (06) 3068257, e-mail: stratford@infogen.net.nz.

Te Kairanga Wines is one of Martinborough's largest producers with a 200 tonne crush and 12,000 to 14,000 cases per year (although still tiny by world standards). Its 35 hectares of established vines grow at the highest point on the Martinborough alluvial terrace, where the rich alluvial gravels are deepest, meaning the winery's vines grow in premium stony and free-draining soils.  The winery has developed a good reputation for producing top quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Harvey Steinman writing in Wine Spectator scored Te Kairanga's Reserve 2000 Chardonnay 91 out of a possible 100 points. Other recent successes include a gold for the Winery's 1997 Reserve Chardonnay at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards (1999). Te Kairanga welcomes visitors to its winery, has an accommodating cellar door and is well set up for picnics, and sometimes provides entertainment. For more information contact: Andrew Shackleton, PO Box 52, MARTINBOROUGH, phone: (06) 3069122, fax: (06) 3069322, e-mail: tekairanga@xtra.co.nz.

Voss Estate was established in 1988 with the aim of producing hand-crafted premium wines. The two partners, Gary Voss and Annette Atkins, work on every stage of the operation, from managing the vineyard to making and selling the wines. The winery specialises in Pinot Noir and is also liked for its Riesling and Chardonnay wines. In terms of quality and value for money, I find Voss Estate very hard to go past, with its wines priced significantly lower than those of some its neigbours. Voss Estate welcomes vistors and is open for tastings unless sold out. For more information contact: Gary Voss & Annette Atkins, PO Box 78, MARTINBOROUGH, phone: (06) 3069668, fax: (06) 3069668, e-mail: vossestate@xtra.co.nz.

Walnut Ridge is now owned by Ata Rangi. Originally established by  Bill Brink, the winery quickly established a reputation for the quality of its wines. Walnut Ridge's  Pinot Noir is big and firm with wonderful cherry flavors and spice. Its Pinot Noir 2000 was recently judged Champion Pinot Noir at the Liquorland Top 100 (2001). I also recommend the Winery's Sauvignon Blanc. The winery has a relaxed cellar door where its wines can be tasted (for a small price) unless sold out. For more information contact: Bill & Sally Brink, 159 Regent Street, MARTINBOROUGH, phone: (06) 3069323, fax: (06) 3069323, e-mail: wines@walnutridge.co.nz.