Wine & Food
Martinborough made its name as a one of the world’s premium pinot noir and sauvignon blanc regions, though other top wines including chardonnay, riesling pinot gris, merlot and cabernet sauvignon are also produced here.
The long hot summers, dry autumn and gravelly soil from an ancient riverbed all add up to perfect conditions for growing cool climate grapes.
First plantings of vines were made around Martinborough in the 1970s, spreading north to Masterton and Gladstone in the 1980s. There are now more than 50 vineyards, all within a short drive of Wairarapa’s main towns.
Where there’s great wine there’s great food, and the Wairarapa’s developed a reputation for first class cafés and restaurants serving delicious local produce. Some vineyards also have cafés, each with menus built around their wine list. Do phone ahead, though, as some are only open over summer.
Grab your wine map from the i-SITE or any cellar door and head for experience the region at these cellar doors. Click here to check out the Winter hours for our cellar doors.
- Most Martinborough vineyards are within walking distance of the town, though you can hire a bike or do a tour in a horse-drawn carriage.
- To get a snapshot of the region’s wines and wine-growing heritage (with some stunning aerials views thrown in too) see Vintners Choice, the wine film, at Circus Cinema in Martinborough (and get to sample six wines as you view the movie). It’s showing at 3pm and from November 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
- Ask at i-SITEs in Masterton and Martinborough for a wine trail map and cellar door opening hours.
- Guided wine tours include Tranzit Coachlines’ daily ‘Wairarapa Gourmet Wine Escape’ tour (take the morning train from Wellington and connect at Featherston) and Martinborough Wine Tours, fully-hosted, crafted tours taking you behind the scenes in the Wine Village.
- Careme cooking classes are based at Palliser Estate and offer a day designed around creating fresh and tasty food matched with Palliser wines - call Jo on 0508 111 223 or jo@careme.co.nz
- For a peek behind the scenes or to meet winemakers and chefs try one of Zest’s food and wine tours.
Look out for events at Wairarapa’s vineyards. The Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival showcases premium local wines, food, music and art on March 19th 2011. Toast Martinborough Wine, Food and Music Festival, held on the third Sunday in November, sees wine and food lovers celebrate the new releases. Check at the i-SITE for many other events, year-round.
