Cellar Doors & Tastings
Visit the wineries, walk amongst the vines and taste the unique history in each barrel. While the region is arguably best known for it’s Pinot Noir, there are lessor known and very special wines to explore and there’s a good chance you’ll find a bottle or two, very few have had the chance to discover.
As many of our wineries are small family owned producers, there’s a great chance of having a conversation directly with the winemaker, something truly special about this region. We’re proud to say very few of the world’s wine regions are as accessible and approachable as ours with many cellar doors to explore within very close range.
See our WINE MAP to plan your journey among the vines.
ALEXANDER VINEYARD
MARTINBOROUGH
Alexander Vineyard is a small family owned and operated estate specialising in the production of truly handcrafted premium wines that combines the outstanding grape-growing climate of New Zealand with a European winemaking heritage to offer ‘the best of both worlds in a glass’.
SAT - SUN 12 - 4pm
ALEXIA
Greytown
Alexia’s cellar door area is cosy - so they ask if you are in a group of more than six people to call or email to arrange a dedicated tasting so there is plenty of time and space for Alexia to share their wines with you. You can park your car or bike onsite, or enjoy the short walk from the centre of Greytown.
Tastings by appointment.
FRI - SUN 11 - 4pm
October - March
ATA RANGI
MARTINBOROUGH
Ata Rangi are one of the original Pinot Noir producers of the region and their reputation is one recognised across the globe. They offer intimate seated half hour tasting sessions where you can taste their range in the original winery come cellar door. This year is their 40th on the land, we recommend you book ahead to experience their outstanding wines.
Tastings by appointment.
big sky wines
MARTINBOROUGH
Katherine Jacobs and Jeremy Corban started Big Sky Wines in 2005. They returned to New Zealand from living in France, and knew the time was right to pursue our long-held ambition to make world class, hand crafted wines, that give true expression to the character of their place. Big Sky offer seated one hour tasting at their cellar door with either Jeremy or Katherine, who are both the winemakers and owners of Big Sky.
Tastings by appointment.
SAT & SUN
CAMBRIdge road
MARTINBOROUGH
This on-site Tasting Room allows you to experience a generous selection of current wines, and learn something about natural wines. Enjoy a platter - a selection of locally sourced cured meats, cheeses, olives served with bread from the local baker, and a glass of your favourite wine (or a bottle between friends) if you wish to stay a little longer!
FRI - SUN, 11 - 4pm
PLATTERS
colombo
MARTINBOROUGH
Enjoy wines in a relaxed cellar door environment. Take a seat, take your time and enjoy a selection of wines on tasting. Or if you would prefer to lounge outside on the beanbags in the Wairarapa sun or cosy up by the fire in the middle of winter, you can also purchase by the glass or share a bottle with friends accompanied by our tasty selection of food options.
FRI - SUN 11.30 - 5pm
LUNCH | PLATTERS
coney wines
MARTINBOROUGH
Coney Wines believe wine and food are best enjoyed with family and friends. So why not get together and join Coney for an informative yet lighthearted and fun tasting session? They'd love to share their current range of delicious wines with you. Tasting sessions are held at 3 Little Words, one of Martinborough's tastiest new wine and food destinations, nestled amongst the vines in the vineyard. Come for a wine tasting, stay on for a sumptuous lunch or pick up a bottle or two to take home with you!
TASTINGS: SAT & SUN 11 - 4 pm
FRI & MON 11 - 4 pm (by appointment)
LUNCH: FRI - MON (3 Little Words restaurant at Coney Wines)
DRY RIVER
MARTINBOROUGH
Here at Dry River Wines a team of six passionate wine lovers make wines of uncompromising quality, converting the land’s bounty into experiences you can taste. Rather than a traditional cellar door or tasting room, you will be taken on a personalised tour of the vineyard, through the winery, finishing with a tasting. If you’re lucky Wilco or Sam might unlock the downstairs cellar for a glimpse of the dusty history of Dry River, with bottles right back to the early ‘80s.
Tastings by appointment.
MON - FRI 9 – 4pm
DRUMMOND FARM
MARTINBOROUGH
Alex and Leah at Drummond Farm make wine from the grapes they grow themselves. They organically farm Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, St Laurent, Gamay Noir and Lagrien! This clever young couple have also created reusable wine bottles hand crafted by Paul Melser a local ceramic artist! Come and sit by their outdoor fireplace with a glass in your hand while they tell you about they we are and their dreams for their vineyards and wines.
No appointments currently.
the elder pinot
MARTINBOROUGH
The Elder Pinot is a small family owned and operated estate, specialising in crafting premium pinot noirs and pinot gris. Let them share their vineyard, olive grove and story with you, followed by a tasting of award winning wines and olive oils.
Tastings by appointment.
escarpment
MARTINBOROUGH
Visit Escarpment for a unique wine experience at their Te Muna Road Winery, five minutes drive from Martinborough.
Set aside approximate 1 hour for an unhurried, guided tour and tasting with one of their knowledgeable team members. Escarpment offers an intimate tasting of wines, on occasions including barrel tastings and vintage cellar selects.
Tastings by appointment.
Day not specific.
gladstone VINEYARD
gladstone
Gladstone Vineyard is established on the old riverbed of the Ruamahanga River at Gladstone. Our focus is simply to craft beautiful wine that expresses the exceptional characteristics of the soil, the climate and the region of the Wairarapa. A delicious range of cellar coor platter food for you to choose when tasting and several great caterers available for you to choose from if you wish to book a function.
Winter hours by appointment.
SAT - SUN 10 - 5pm
grava wines
MARTINBOROUGH
The Grava Cellar Door is located in the heart of Martinborough. Grava produce quality single vineyard wines from Pinot Noir, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc grapes from their 5ha vineyard located on the Dry River flats just south of Martinborough. Join Grava for a tasting, glass of wine and a platter at the picturesque Cellar Door where they make their wines.
FRI - SUN 11 - 5.00pm or by appointment.
PLATTERS
hamden estate
MARTINBOROUGH
Offering quiet, relaxed tastings away from the crowds. The owner is passionate about the wine made from the range of grapes grown on their dry river terrace. He is always happy to chat about wine with you. Hamden Estate’s tasting room provides views of the vines and the Remutaka and Tararua ranges.
SAT | SUN 11 – 5pm
Bookings encouraged.
johner estate
gladstone
A little off the beaten track, this cellar door sits next to Johner Estate winery at the very end of Dakins Road, which weaves alongside the Ruamahunga River, 20 minutes drive from either Masterton or Carterton. Johner Estate welcome visitors with a friendly host, a great selection of wine to taste and a picturesque view.
MON - SAT 1 – 4.30pm
le gra
MASTERTON
From Celtic roots, ‘Le Grá’ means ‘with love’ and that’s how this family winery creates beautiful wines right here in the Wairarapa. Based just 10 minutes from Masterton in the Opaki wine valley, Le Grá wines are crafted in small batches with absolute care and attention given to every bottle. Just 5 minutes’ drive from Masterton they are the Wairarapa’s most northern cellar door – call in and enjoy a relaxed tasting at their cellar door with the owners Brian and Nicky. Call ahead and book their fabulous ‘Tasting Experience’ that includes a delicious platter with local and homemade delicacies.
WED - SUN 12 - 5pm
PLATTERS | LUNCH
luna estate
MARTINBOROUGH
Luna Estate focus on being the best possible farm they can be! Utilising organic and sustainable practice on both their special vineyards. Proudly kiwi owned and operated they strive to produce the most delicious wine possible. Great times to be had at Luna’s awesome cellar door. Book for a set menu lunch or drop by for a glass of vino. Grab a bean bag and chill on the lawn, and bring the kids if you want, plenty of room to run around.
Open 7 days for wine tasting and lunch from 11am.
Bookings essential
DINNER | FRI & SAT only from 5.30pm
margrain VINEYARD
MARTINBOROUGH
Established in 1992, family owned Margrain offers the complete vineyard experience – cellar door open 7 days, The Vineyard Café with unparalleled vineyard views, winery tours, accommodation, and conference facilities. With an extensive range of wines, Margrain’s aim since the outset has been to grow top quality grapes and produce wines of excellence.
MON - FRI 11 - 3 pm
SAT 11 - 5 pm
SUN 11 - 4 pm
Bookings required for 6 or more.
PLATTERS | LUNCH
moy hall wines
MARTINBOROUGH
Visit Moy Hall Cellar Door for a relaxed lunch created by their chefs using locally sourced produce matched with homegrown wines. It’s all about wine, food, family and friends.
THU & FRI 11.30 - 4pm
SAT 11.30 - 6 pm
SUN & MON 11.30 - 4pm
TUE & WED - 11:30 - 3pm
LUNCH | DINNER
matahiwi estate
masterton
Matahiwi grapes are predominantly grown in the Wairarapa with small volumes of Chardonnay and Syrah sourced from selected vineyard sites in Hawke’s Bay. The Wairarapa vineyards lie on the north-west outskirts of Masterton, with Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc the two main varieties plus a small amount of Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. The moment you step on Wairarapa soil your heart starts to beat to a calmer rhythm, time slows down enough for you to catch your breath, drink in the spectacular scenery that surrounds you and you feel your body start to relax.
Tastings by appointment.
on giants’ shoulders
MARTINBOROUGH
On Giants’ Shoulders are always happy to see old friends and welcome new ones. We invite you to visit their vineyard to experience extraordinary wines and the stunning natural beauty of this vineyard overlooking the majestic Tararua Ranges. These tastings are private, intimate and informative experiences guided by On Giants’ Shoulders proprietors and winemakers Braden or Gabrielle Crosby.
Bookings required.
MON - FRI, 11am & 2pm
SAT - SUN, 11am, 1pm & 3pm
NGA WAKA
MARTINBOROUGH
Martinborough’s newest cellar door is the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of wine nestled amongst the vines and surrounding hills. At Nga Waka they share their knowledge and passion for wine through a relaxed but informative tasting of current releases, plus one or two special wines to add to the experience. Bookings are essential for tastings. Otherwise just pop in for a glass, a bite to eat and soak up the surrounds.
Bookings required.
WED - SUN, 10am & 4pm
palliser estate
MARTINBOROUGH
Pallier Estate’s stylish award-winning cellar door is open all year around. Needless to say they always have a warm welcome ready and a great selection of wines for you to taste. You might even want to take a few home with you. Clem and her team are on hand to take you through the wines. They’re sure to make it a fun experience.
DAILY 11 – 5pm
Bookings encouraged.
THU - MON Food partner Nara
POPPIES MARTINBOROUGH
MARTINBOROUGH
Poppies tasting room and cellar door is the home of their wines and is an emotionally charged environment created to explore the imagination of the past. A beautifully simple space with the essence bequeathed and respected from the old world.
On any given day you may find Poppy herself veracious in sharing the wine’s journey to bottle. Poppies Martinborough wines are exclusively sold through the tasting room and cellar door.
DAILY 11 – 4 pm
Bookings encouraged.
PLATTERS
schubert wines
MARTINBOROUGH
Schubert Wines is the dynamic vision of Kai Schubert and Marion Deimling, graduates of the esteemed Viticulture University of Geisenheim, Germany. A world search brought the young winemakers to Martinborough. Here the unique blend of topography, ancient geology and climate creates perfect conditions to grow their 100% certified organic wines of outstanding character, complexity, balance and grace.
DAILY 11am – 3 pm
Large groups please enquire.
FOOD TRUCK | PLATTERS
tHE RUNHOLDER
MARTINBOROUGH
Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard and Lighthouse Gin at home under one roof on the edge of the Martinborough terrace.
Tasting Room | Restaurant | Distillery
Thursday-Sunday 11am-4pm
tirohana estate
MARTINBOROUGH
Tirohana unique Emporium and Cellar Door offers excellent tasting rooms to sample Tirohana’s range of award-winning premium wines. The Emporium also stocks artisan Estate made produce from confectionery to gourmet chutneys and preserves along with a range of gifts. Tours and wine talks can be pre-arranged.
Bookings required.
MON - SUN
plan your visit
Wairarapa wine region map
We’ve put together this Google map, marking out our wineries plus some handy info such as where to stay and other things to do when you need a break from the winery scene.