Exploring Wineries in the Wairarapa

The Wairarapa may feel laidback and rural, but it produces some of the finest wines in Aotearoa – New Zealand. The small village of Martinborough is at the centre of it all, with vineyards spread out like a patchwork quilt around the town square. Here, cellar doors sit only minutes apart, making it one of the easiest and most enjoyable wine regions to explore.

We experienced this ourselves on a beautiful sunny day riding our electric bikes from vineyard to vineyard. With the sunshine on our backs and rows of vines stretching out on either side of the road, it was the perfect way to slow down and savour the day. We visited the wineries on our list and we were not disappointed. The owners were welcoming, the tastings generous and between wines and shared platters we happily pedalled it all off before heading to the next stop.

It felt more than just a tasting, it was a chance to connect with passionate winemakers and soak in the relaxed charm that makes Martinborough so special. Exploring wineries in the Wairarapa is about more than wine — it’s about atmosphere, local hospitality and the joy of discovery at your own pace.

🍇 Martinborough Vineyard – Pioneer Pinot Noir

Established in 1980, Martinborough Vineyard was one of the first to plant Pinot Noir in the region. Today, their Home Block vines are among the oldest in New Zealand, producing wines with remarkable depth and character. This pioneering spirit helped shape Martinborough into the wine destination it is today.

• Location: On the Martinborough Terrace, just minutes from the village square.
• Signature Wines: Pinot Noir (Home Block & Marie Zelie), Chardonnay.
• Features: Historic cellar door with intimate tastings, deep-rooted vines with a unique terroir expression.
• Awards: Trophy for Best Pinot Noir in the World (London International Wine & Spirit Competition, 1989); Home Block Chardonnay named Best Chardonnay Outside Burgundy by Decanter (2006); multiple Decanter World Wine Awards gold medals (2012, 2018, 2022).
• Why Visit: To taste wines that carry the heritage and prestige of one of Martinborough’s pioneering vineyards and to experience Pinot Noir from some of the oldest vines in the country.

🍷 Palliser Estate – Premium & Sustainable

One of our favourites, Palliser Estate is more than just a winery — it’s an experience. We rode in on our e-bikes on a sunny afternoon and enjoyed a delicious platter with wine in hand, surrounded by the beauty of the vines. The atmosphere was welcoming and it felt like the perfect place to slow down and linger.

• Location: Set on the Martinborough Terrace, just minutes from the village.
• Signature Wines: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and limited single-vineyard releases.
• Features:
    • Cellar Door & Kitchen serving fresh seasonal food.
    • Guided tastings and vineyard tours, including barrel experiences.
• Awards & Recognition: Known nationally and internationally for premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with strong organic and sustainability practices.
• Why Visit: It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for the afternoon — enjoying both food and wine in a relaxed vineyard setting.

🍂 Ata Rangi – Boutique Excellence

Ata Rangi is much more than just a winery, it blends organic viticulture, boutique quality and even a place to stay in the midst of the vines. We loved how you can linger longer here because the experience ties wine tasting and restful stays together.

• Location: On Puruatanga Road, just outside Martinborough.
• Signature Wines: Pinot Noir (Home Block, McCrone, Kotinga, Masters), plus Chardonnay.
• Features:
•   • 32 hectares across 14 vineyard sites, each with distinct soils and clonal plantings.
•   • Certified organic since 2014, with hand-tended vines and sustainable practices.
•   • McCrone House Accommodation – a two-bedroom vineyard cottage offering stylish comfort and vineyard views, ideal for a longer stay.
• Awards & Recognition: Regularly acclaimed for producing some of Aotearoa – New Zealand’s most refined Pinot Noir.
• Why Visit: For boutique tastings that showcase organic winemaking at its finest and the chance to stay right among the vines in Martinborough.

🌿 Te Kairanga – Rustic Charm

We absolutely love their Pinot Noir and Te Kairanga has long been one of the names most associated with Martinborough wine. While their original cellar door is no longer open, you can now experience TK wines at The Runholder — their new hospitality hub that combines wine, food and even Lighthouse Gin under one roof.

• Location: The Runholder, just outside Martinborough village.
• Signature Wines: Pinot Noir (Estate, Runholder, John Martin, WPF), along with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Rosé and Riesling.
• Features:
    • Wine flights and tastings showcasing their full Pinot range.
    • A stylish restaurant and tasting room with both indoor and outdoor spaces.
    • Shared space with Martinborough Vineyard and Lighthouse Gin, making it a diverse experience.
• Awards & Recognition: Their Pinot Noir releases are consistently praised, with Runholder and John Martin often standing out as premium icons.
• Why Visit: To enjoy Pinot Noir at its best in a modern setting where wine, food and local flavour come together.

🍾 Moy Hall – Wine & Food Together

Moy Hall is a standout in Martinborough for combining wine, food and place. It’s not just a cellar door — the restaurant and vineyard ambiance make this a destination to linger.

• Location: Just outside Martinborough village.
• Signature Wines: Pinot Noir (Terrace, Reserve), Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Syrah.
• Features:
    • On-site restaurant and lunch venue, serving seasonal share plates.
    • Indoor and outdoor dining spaces (deck, courtyard) over vineyard views.
    • Cellar door where you can taste flights of their handcrafted wines.
    • Three vineyard sites across 26 hectares, with sustainable and regenerative practices.
    • The Terrace Block, their home block, is a central site with mature vines and expressive wines.
• Why Visit: To enjoy delicious wine paired with seasonal food, in a beautiful vineyard setting. It’s perfect for those who love to dine slowly, sip thoughtfully and stay awhile.

✨ Book your Martinborough stay and wine tour here

Final Thoughts

Exploring wineries in the Wairarapa is about more than tasting fine wine — it’s about connecting with the land, the people and the stories behind every bottle. While our favourites include Martinborough Vineyard, Palliser Estate, Ata Rangi, Te Kairanga and Moy Hall, other gems like Luna Estate, Cambridge Road, Dry River and Margrain are also worth seeking out.

The township of Martinborough is a joy in itself, with its leafy square, historic charm and welcoming cafés. It’s the perfect base to wander between cellar doors at an easy pace.

And most importantly — always be safe when visiting vineyards. Whether by bike, tour or with a sober driver, plan ahead so you can relax, sip and savour the Wairarapa responsibly.

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