Accounting for only 3% of New Zealand’s wine production, the town of Martinborough and the surrounding Wairarapa region has a boutique style reminiscent of Burgundy. Wines from the region are considered to have excellent concentration, texture and depth due to historically low cropping levels and the area’s unique soil and climate.

Pinot Noir is Martinborough’s most planted and certainly most acclaimed grape variety. The region’s warm, dry summers and mild winters have led to complex and structured wines with subtle aromatics and an elegant finish. The success of Martinborough Pinot Noir has to a large extent driven the rapid development of this very dynamic and quality-focused region.

Climatically Martinborough is more aligned to Marlborough than to any of the North Island regions. The success and style of its Sauvignon Blanc is evidence of this alliance. Distinctive Sauvignon Blanc with tropical fruit flavours overlaid with minerality and appealing aromatic Rieslings are beginning to attract the attention of the world’s top wine writers.