With wine maps available at the Martinborough Visitor Centre, bikes available for hire and tours-a-plenty to choose from, exploring this delicious region couldn’t be easier, so we’ve picked out five must visit wineries during your trip to the Wairarapa Region.
Palliser Estate Martinborough
For over two decades the Palliser Estate team have been making award-winning wines. With a small team comprised of seven people, Palliser is their passion and it shows in the quality of wine produced. Big believers in sustainability, during your visit be sure to ask about the unique vineyard practices and of course stop by the cellar door for a taste of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. If your visit is planned for the weekend, you can partake in a Carême Cooking Class, where you’ll learn delicious French dishes and techniques you can easily re-create at home.
Ata Rangi Martinborough
Ata Rangi Martinborough is a boutique winery specialising in Pinot Noir, which is their flagship wine. Established more than three decades ago, the vineyard is a true Martinborough institution. For a small fee, guests can access the Cellar Door where a member of the Ata Rangi team will explain the different nuances of the wines, divulge a little of the region’s history, and educate guests on the history of the individual wines.
Credit: Destination Wairarapa.
The Escarpment Vineyard
At The Escarpment Vineyard, esteemed winemaker Larry McKenna lends his skills and expertise to creating some of the best Pinot Noirs, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay’s to come out of Martinborough. The Vineyard was established in 1998 after finding an extension of Martinborough’s ‘terrace’ land. A particularly special area, it lends itself to the ideal vineyard growing condition, yielding thriving crops and delicious wine year after year.
StoneCutter Vineyard
A boutique winery with a difference, StoneCutter Vineyard’s wine making methods put them in a class of their own. Hand-making their boutique batches, they utilise the same time and care the ancient Maori’s used when making their stone treasures, hence the name StoneCutter. During your visit be sure the try both the Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, two blends they famously specialise in.
Cambridge Road Vineyard
At Cambridge Road Vineyard they believe ‘small means beautiful’. Boutique in the truest sense of the word this small 5.5 acre estate meticulously cultivates their land based on natural biodynamic principles and maintains traditional wine making techniques. During the summer months join the long table in the beautiful outdoor courtyard to indulge in delectable local produce and of course, some fine Cambridge Road wines.
Where to stay
Peppers Parehua is the ideal Martinborough accommodation for your indulgent Wairarapa escape.