Collection: Martinborough | Wairarapa

Martinborough is a small, prestigious wine village on the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island — approximately one hour northeast of Wellington in the Wairarapa. Famed as New Zealand's answer to Burgundy, the region is globally celebrated for producing complex, structured Pinot Noir of exceptional quality from a relatively small production base.

Why Martinborough Matters

Martinborough's reputation rests on a rare combination of climate and soil that few wine regions in the world can replicate. A rain-shadow effect from the Tararua Ranges creates one of New Zealand's driest wine-growing environments, helping grapes ripen consistently and develop concentrated flavour. Cooling maritime breezes from Cook Strait preserve natural acidity and freshness. The combination of warm days, cool nights and a long, dry autumn allows grapes to ripen slowly — building complexity without losing the balance that defines the region's best wines.

Beneath the vines, deep gravel terraces over clay subsoil provide excellent drainage and encourage vines to produce concentrated, flavourful fruit. The similarity to the gravel terraces of Burgundy's Côte d'Or is frequently cited as the foundation of Martinborough's Pinot Noir reputation — and the comparison is well earned.

The Wines

Pinot Noir — Martinborough's signature variety and the wine the region is known for worldwide. Dark cherry, plum and earthy complexity, fine tannin structure and natural acidity give these wines genuine cellaring potential. The finest examples develop over 10–15 years and rank among New Zealand's most cellar-worthy reds.

Chardonnay — Produced in a restrained, textural style distinct from warmer-climate expressions. Cool-climate precision and natural acidity give Martinborough Chardonnay structure and longevity.

Pinot Gris & Riesling — Aromatic whites of genuine quality, reflecting the region's cool-climate character and long growing season.

Producers That Define Martinborough

Martinborough's international reputation was established by pioneering producers including Ata Rangi, Dry River, Palliser Estate, Escarpment and Martinborough Vineyard. Together they helped demonstrate the region's ability to produce world-class Pinot Noir from a cool-climate New Zealand terroir.

Featured Martinborough Wines

Our Martinborough selection focuses on premium cool-climate wines that showcase the region's distinctive character, with Pinot Noir remaining the benchmark style.

Best For

Lovers of Burgundian-style Pinot Noir seeking New Zealand's finest expression of the variety. Collectors and those who cellar. Dinner parties, fine dining and special occasions. Those exploring cool-climate New Zealand wine beyond Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.