Sub Regions
Gladstone
Natural river terraces rise steeply from the stony riverbed and create a challenging and satisfying environment for grape-growing and winemaking. The terraces revel in long hours of bright sunshine, coupled with moderate rainfall and vigorous winds for healthy vines.
Winemakers test the sub-region’s potential with a variety of varietals as they explore its boundaries to the utmost. Vineyards are all family-owned and run, around Dakin’s Road and Gladstone Road.
In March, they celebrate the growing year with a unique intimate Harvest Festival, held on a single riverside site. The festival is as relaxed and informal as its community, beneath 1000-year old native trees. A new wine-making tradition is well under way. Please click here for more information.
Masterton
The oldest grape-growing centre in the region is also arguably the newest. Although grapes were first planted around Masterton a century ago by early settlers, that venture was short-lived when temperance forces closed down the fledgling industry in the early 1900s.
During the late 1980s, new grapes were planted in the areas around Paierau Road, Matahiwi Road, and Loopline Road areas outside Masterton, attracted by the bold climate and gravelly limestone soils.
The brooding Tararua Ranges exert a powerful influence over the wide open spaces in this northern Wairarapa sub-region, triggering a cycle of frosts and sunny days to develop complex flavours in the grapes. Sauvignon blanc and pinot noir are the main varieties in this sub-region. Please click here for more information.
Martinborough
In only three decades, Martinborough has transformed from a sleepy colonial town to world-class wine village, taking an enviable, attention-grabbing collection of international awards from 1990.
Pinot noir is Martinborough’s flagship wine: its elegance and style made Martinborough’s international reputation. Yet there is so much more to the district, the mineral-laden soils and cool climate nurturing a remarkable range of award-winning varietals. Distinctive sauvignon blanc with tropical fruit flavours overlaid with minerality, elegant full-flavoured chardonnay, appealingly aromatic riesling and pinot gris; and the emerging, gentle Rhone-like syrah are all local winners, adding depth and complexity to the Martinborough story. Wine writers and makers agree that structure, complexity, fruit sweetness and balance set Martinborough wines apart.
Accounting for only one percent of New Zealand’s wine production, from approximately 3 percent of New Zealand’s total plantings by hectare, Martinborough has a boutique Burgundian style. Wines from the region are considered to have excellent concentration, texture and depth. Historically low cropping levels and the area’s unique soil and climate provide these qualities. Comparisons with Burgundy, the classic home of pinot noir, abound.
With more than vineyards in less than 700 hectares, most are family-owned and passionately tended. Scientific research shows these similarities are strong. Visitors are spoilt for accommodation choices, with indulgent hotels and resort style estates through to B&Bs and self-contained houses. Click here for more information about visiting Martinborough.