Tour through Wairarapa Cellar Doors
Martinborough remains the key focus when visiting wineries in the Wairarapa. Conveniently, many well-known wineries are located along what is known as The Golden Mile.
Moy Hall Restaurant, Poppies, Tirohana
Ata Rangi, Margrain, Schubert, Tirohana, Moy Hall (now owners of Julicher-Butterworth), Luna Estate (now owners of Dry River), Poppies, The Runholder and more are very close to each other along the Golden Mile which runs along Huangarua, Puruatanga and Martins Roads.
Ata Rangi
Ata Rangi, founded by Clive Paton in 1980 is now managed by his daughter, Vanessa Paton. Since 2003, the wines have been made by accomplished wine maker Helen Masters, who has continued to consistently craft wines now regarded as benchmarks in their category. With a growing selection of single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, Ata Rangi offers a unique tasting perspective of Martinborough.
The Runholder: Te Kairanga, Martinbororugh, Lighthouse Gin
A welcome new addition to the Martinborough experience is The Runholder which acts as a cellar door for Foley Wines Te Kairanga and Martinborough vineyards and has a smart bistro dining experience. It is also the home of the Lighthouse Gin Distillery.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Runholder.
Cellar doors nearby
Nga Waka's architecturally award-winning cellar door offers bespoke wine tasting and pizza. Grava is the winery of Alastair Gardiner who also makes wine in Spain each year.
Cambridge Road winery is on Cambridge Road. Oraterra, the new winery of Wilco Lam and ex-Dry River team is located at 31 Princess St with tastings by appointment. Kusada is also open by appointment. Palliser Estate opens their cellar door 7 days each week.
Craggy Range's Te Muna Vineyard
We associate Craggy Range with Hawke's Bay however its Te Muna Vineyard of 250 hectares is now the largest vineyard in the Wairarapa. This vineyard is important because it has 50 ha of Pinot Noir and 200 ha of Sauvignon Blanc. Craggy Range do not operate a cellar door here however, driving south along the Te Muna Road, past Big Sky and Escarpment, you can see their extensive plantings. The image above is of Anton Stadniczenko, the Martinborough Vineyards Manager, looking back down to the some Sauvignon Blanc planting on terraces besides the Huangarua River.
Alexia Urban Winery, Greytown
Alexia is owned by winemaker Jane Cooper and Lesley Reidy and situated in Greytown. They make Pinor Noir, Method Traditional and other innovative styles of wines.
Urlar Tasting Room, Gladstone
Urlar is further north near Carterton, and has recently open a spectacular new cellar door and tasting room. The 31 hectare vineyard is certified organic by Biogro. Their range of wines include Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Sparkling wines. At the Tasting Room, they offer a small seasonal menu.
For more information, please look at Wairarapa Wine Region website
Celia Hay
1/2/2025
