Wairarapa lies in the south-eastern coastal corner of New Zealand's North Island, about an hour north-east of Wellington by road. Warm summers and cold winters meet free-draining soils and alluvial river terraces exposed by erosion.
Modern winegrowing dates to the late 1970s. Marie Zelie, a Burgundy native who moved to Masterton in the 1880s, believed the local climate and soils suited vines. Vineyards were planted along Martinborough Terrace in 1980, then expanded north into Gladstone and Opaki.
Pinot Noir accounts for 50 percent of plantings, followed by Sauvignon Blanc at 30 percent. Aromatic varieties, Chardonnay, Syrah and dessert wines are also made here. Wines can show acidity and minerality alongside fresh citrus and savoury notes. Martinborough, Gladstone and Opaki have different soils, climates and elevations, giving Wairarapa more than one expression.
Inside the region
1 named area
Each guide keeps its place within Wairarapa clear, with a direct route back to the map.
Producer profiles
Producer profiles
Open the full directory when you want every producer currently placed in Wairarapa.
- Luna EstateMartinborough estate producer with Blue Rock and Eclipse vineyards and a Pinot Noir Brut Rosé.
- Schubert WinesAn organically farmed Martinborough producer centred on Pinot Noir.