Wairarapa Wine Trail
The Wairarapa is one of New Zealand's most prestigious wine-producing areas and easily accessible from
Wellington. The region's main centre is
Masterton, and its main wine village is
Martinborough, also known for its historic hotel. A highlight of the wine calendar is the Toast Martinborough Festival - an exclusive wine, food and music event held on the third Sunday in November. Alongside the successful wine industry has flourished a creative art and crafts scene, and a buoyant café and bed and breakfast industry.
The region is most famous for its dense, powerful Pinot Noir but can, to the surprise of some, also make impressive reds from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties.Wairarapa's famous lamb is a great match with Cabernet Sauvignon while the leaner local Cervena is a good choice with Pinot Noir. In some vintages the region makes Sauvignon Blanc that is similar in style to the Martinborough model. Riesling and Gewürztraminer are more robust and flavoursome than the lighter, more delicate South Island equivalent.
Martinborough Martinborough is the Wairarapa's largest and best known wine producing centre and specialises in chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. The town boasts more than 20 boutique wineries, including:
- Ata Rangi
Puruatanga Road
- Chifney Wines
Huangarua Road
- Alana Estate
Puruatanga Road - a family-owned vineyard established in 1993.
- Martinborough Vineyard
Princess Street
- Muirlea Rise
Princess Street
- Palliser Estate
- Te Kairanga Wines
Martins Road
- Margrain Vineyard
Ponatahi Road
- Murdoch James Estate
Dry River Road
Summer Events
CartertonFamed as the daffodil capital of New Zealand,
Carterton has also diversified into wine. For tastings visit:
Summer Events
- Shakespeare in the Vineyards, mid to late February
A play from the bard performed by Victoria University Wellington Student Drama Association and held in the beautiful Gladstone Vineyard. Wine, nibbles, & café open or BYO picnic.
Greytown
Greytown is Wairarapa's oldest township and boasts a fine collection of historic Victorian buildings, including a coach staging post built in 1866. A good wine-tasting stop is:
- Carrington & Deans (101 Main Street)
Carrington and Deans offer a comprehensive stock of local and imported wines.
Masterton
Masterton is the commercial centre of the Wairarapa and famed for its annual Golden Shears competition in March, which attracts sheep shearers from all over the world. It's home to a number of vineyards, including:
Summer Events
- Wairarapa Wine & Food Festival, late February
Set in the historic Solway Showgrounds in Masterton. A selection of the finest local wines and cuisine with entertainment throughout the day.
Getting ThereThe Wairarapa is well served by rail and road transport. From Wellington, the train ride is a scenic delight, incorporating the spectacular Rimutaka Tunnel. For information and timetables, contact:
Winery Tours
Private vineyard tours can be booked with:
Self-Guided Touring Pick up a wineries map from Masterton Visitor Information Centre, 316 Queen Street, Masterton.
For more information contact:
Go Wairarapa
PO Box 814
Masterton
Email Gp Wairarapa