It's no secret that Aotearoa New Zealand is home to some of the best wineries in the world. If you're a wine lover then you're going to want to take a trip to Wharekaka Martinborough—a prime wine region in New Zealand with over 20 wineries and home to the classic NZ Wine Trail.
Here at Urban List, we put in the graft so you don't have to, so we've rounded up the best wineries and vineyards in Martinborough so you can focus all your energy on sampling some of the best vino in town.
The Runholder
89 Martins Road, Martinborough
Image credit: The Runholder | Supplied
If it’s killer views and sensational wines your heart desires then look no further than The Runholder, Martinborough's largest cellar door restaurant and one of the best wineries in Martinborough.
Since opening its doors in August 2023, The Runholder has become an iconic and must-visit site for the Wairarapa wine region. It's home to wineries Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard, and Lighthouse Gin distillery as well as a restaurant, tasting room, cellar door, and barrel hall.
Lounge on the sun-soaked terrace, pinot in hand admiring the breathtaking views before feasting at one of the three dining areas. The menu is filled to the brim with dishes made from locally sourced produce—think fresh fish, wood-fired pizzas, prime-cut meats, and hearty vegetables all sourced only a stone's throw away.
Treat yourself to a wine-tasting flight, or share an aged bottle from the cellar. Need a break from wine? No worries, refresh your palate with a Lighthouse gin cocktail—if you're lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the distiller, Rachel Hall, crafting her next batch.
Poppies Martinborough
91 Puruatanga Road, Martinborough
Image credit: Poppies Winery | Website
Situated in the heart of Martinborough is the stunning Poppies Winery. Known for their beautifully hand-crafted wines and stunning vineyard, Poppies is a must-visit when sampling Martinborough's finest wines.
While Pinot Noir and Rosé are their specialities, they also have a fabulous selection of white wines to quench your thirst, such as Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer.
Visit the stylish cellar door for a relaxed tasting, or if you’re feeling peckish, indulge in a well-matched platter at the restaurant. Poppies has it all—it's even got a cute on-site apartment, so you can sleep amongst the vines and enjoy the ambience all night long.
The apartment comes with fresh ingredients to make a cooked breakfast, as well as a bottle of wine and a cut of cheese so you can continue the food and wine experience from home.
Big Sky
415 Te Muna Rd, Martinborough
Image credit: Big Sky | Website
You can expect big things at Big Sky, an organic vineyard serving up world-class wine with heaps of personality and soul.
If you’re a fan of red wine, then Big Sky is one of the best vineyards in Martinborough. Located in the beautiful Te Muna Valley, its deep gravel, low rainfall, warm days, and cool nights make it the ideal place for growing Pinot Noir. It’s a little further away than the other wineries but trust us, it’s worth making the trip.
Owners and talented wine-makers Katherine Jacobs and Jeremy Corban’s philosophy is all about quality over quantity; they're focused on crafting the finest wine possible, not just churning out as much as they can.
Be sure to book a tasting at their cellar door to get a firsthand look at the hands-on approach that defines this intimate Martinborough vineyard.
Ata Rangi
14 Puruatanga Road, Martinborough
Image credit: Ata Rangi | Instagram
Gather the whānau and head to Ata Rangi, a boutique, family-owned organic winery that has been running since 1980, when the first vines were planted on a small, stony sheep paddock.
Over 40 years later, Ata Rangi has grown into a wine empire and has built a reputation for its Pinot Noir. Take one sip, and you’ll soon see why.
With the belief that making wine is all about working with the changing seasons, the name Ata Rangi, which means ‘dawn sky’ or ‘new beginning’ in Te Reo Māori, highlights their connection to the land.
Pull up a pew at the cellar door for an intimate, personalised tasting experience, where you’ll learn all about winemaking, the history of the business, and the region and be sure to book in advance.
Moy Hall
1 Martins Road, Martinborough
Image credit: Moy Hall | Facebook
If you have a soft spot for epic views, delicious food, and beautiful wine then Moy Hall is your kinda place.
Moy Hall’s lawn is an unbeatable spot to enjoy a wine flight, which includes four vinos of your choice. Escape the afternoon sun and take refuge in the restaurant, where you’ll be able to feast on braised lamb, pan-seared market fish, and ceviche.
They’ve also got an impressive cheese selection and a range of tantalising desserts to finish off the perfect meal.
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Tirohana Estate
42 Puruatanga Road, Martinborough
Image credit: Tirohana Estate | Tom Huthwaite
Another Martinborough gem, Tirohana Estate knows a thing or two about putting on a quality arvo of drinking, eating, and great vibes.
They cater to everything from weddings and group functions to both casual and fine dining experiences, even hosting a traditional high tea complete with cream, scones, and all the trimmings.
Wine and dine at their award-winning restaurant and treat yourself to a three-course dinner where you can enjoy a feast of chicken and pork paté with Pinot Noir jelly, twice-cooked pork belly, and a traditional Bakewell tart with custard glaze. Count us in.
If you’re having too much fun and can’t bear the thought of leaving this wine paradise, consider booking a room in their luxurious accommodation to enjoy the outdoors late into the night. Or, take advantage of the chauffeur service, which offers transport to and from the estate—perfect for those wanting to pair their meal with wine.
Nga Waka Vineyard
64 Kitchener Street, Martinborough
Image credit: Nga Waka Vineyard | Instagram
Nga Waka, which means 'the canoes' in te reo Māori, is named after the three low-lying hills to the east of Martinborough, said to resemble the upturned canoes of the legendary Polynesian explorer Kupe.
This popular winery certainly knows a thing or two about crafting exquisite wines, boasting seven vineyards scattered around the village of Martinborough. They primarily produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Rosé.
Enjoy a guided tasting at the cellar door, nestled within their Home Block vineyard, or simply sit back, relax, and sip on a glass or two of award-winning wine, all while soaking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills in all their glory.
Margrain Vineyard
Cnr Ponatahi & Huangarua Roads, Martinborugh
Image credit: Margrain Vineyard | Michael Mcdermott
If it's a complete vineyard experience you're after then Margain Vineyard has it all, from accommodation, cellar door wine tastings, vineyard and winery tours, and even a vineyard cafe.
Since opening in 1992, they have aimed to grow top-quality grapes and produce wines of excellence, so you'll be tasting the crème de la crème of wines. Sip on quality vino at the cellar door, or head out on a winery tour, where you'll be shown the vine-to-wine process, tasting as you go, of course.
Soak up all the wine with a feed at the Vineyard Cafe, and if you're visiting on a Sunday, keep an ear out for the live music in the vines. Absolute bliss.
Looking for more things to do around New Zealand? Check out:
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Main image credit: The Runholder | Facebook
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