10 Best Vineyards & Wineries in Martinborough

1. Te Kairanga

Te Kairanga is a gem as a testament to Martinborough’s rich winemaking heritage.

Once owned by John Martin, the founding father of Martinborough, this picturesque estate now produces some of New Zealand’s finest wines. We’re particularly impressed by their silky, spicy Pinot Noir and elegant Chardonnay.

The cellar door, housed in a charming cottage, offers a glimpse into the region’s pioneering past. Here, you can savour their exceptional vintages, including sophisticated, textural Sauvignon Blanc and a Rosé with a cult following.

We personally love how Te Kairanga’s gentle winemaking techniques and minimal filtration ensure their wines maintain their fresh flavour and distinct characters.

Location: 89 Martins Road, Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island.

© Steven dosRemedios on Flickr

2. Tirohana Estate

Tirohana Estate is a boutique, award-winning vineyard and restaurant nestled on Martinborough’s “golden mile”. This premium winery boasts unique soil properties, nourished by ancient alluvial terraces, and produces exceptional, handcrafted wines exclusively from its home block.

Open year-round, Tirohana Estate offers a delightful experience for wine connoisseurs and casual tourists alike. Visitors can enjoy lunch, dinner or cocktails in the restaurant or on terraces overlooking the picturesque vineyard.

Wine tastings are available at the cellar door, showcasing their internationally acclaimed varieties, including their Championship Pinot Noir.

Tirohana Estate is a popular stop during the annual Toast Martinborough festival, typically held in November.

Location: 42 Puruatanga Road, Martinborough, Wellington Region, North Island.

© Tourism NZ Scott Venning

3. Margrain Vineyard

Margrain Vineyard offers a complete vineyard experience in the heart of Martinborough.

This second-generation family-owned vineyard, established in 1992, boasts a Cellar Door open seven days a week where you can sample their wines and newly introduced Margrain gin while enjoying stunning vineyard views.

From Wednesday to Sunday, their Kitchen serves delicious platters and pizzas, perfect for casual dining among the vines.

Wine enthusiasts can enjoy guided tastings or opt for a leisurely wine flight at their table.

For a more fun experience, join the “Vineyard and Winery Tour” to learn about Martinborough’s winemaking history and the vine-to-wine process. It’s an ideal stop for wine lovers exploring Martinborough’s renowned vineyards.

Location: Corner of Princess Street and Huangarua Road, Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island.

© Margrain Vineyard

4. Ata Rangi

Ata Rangi is a small, family-owned organic winery renowned for its exceptional pinot noir. Founded in 1980 by Clive Paton, this boutique vineyard has grown from humble beginnings on a stony sheep paddock to become one of the new world’s most respected pinot noir producers.

While you can’t just pop in for cellar door tastings, it’s well worth making an appointment for one of their twice-daily tasting sessions.

These complimentary 45-minute to one-hour experiences offer a chance to savour Ata Rangi’s acclaimed wines. The name “Ata Rangi”, meaning “dawn sky” or “new beginning” in Te Reo Māori, reflects the winery’s commitment to crafting wines that capture the essence of Martinborough.

Location: 14 Puruatanga Road, Martinborough, 5711, Wairarapa, North Island.

© Ata Rangi

5. Martinborough Vineyard & The Runholder

Martinborough Vineyard has found a new home at The Runholder, nestled between picturesque vineyard rows on the edge of the Martinborough Terrace.

The Runholder’s Tasting Room is open daily, inviting visitors to savour Martinborough Vineyard’s award-winning Burgundy and Pinot Noir, alongside other local delights.

For a full gastronomic adventure, the on-site restaurant serves up a menu that celebrates local Wairarapa produce.

Open seven days for tastings and lunch, with dinner service on Fridays and Saturdays, The Runholder offers a delightful blend of exquisite food, fine wines and artisanal gin against the backdrop of Martinborough’s rolling hills and vineyards.

Location: 57 Princess Street, Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island.

© Jonathan Harker on Wikipedia

6. Palliser Wines

For an exquisite wine tasting experience, visit Palliser Estate. We love their award-winning Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, both still and sparkling, crafted from estate vineyards on the renowned Martinborough Terrace.

Open seven days a week, Palliser’s Cellar Door and Kitchen offers wine tastings, flights, and seasonal lunches by Chef Norka Mella Munoz. Whether you’re a mid-week local or a weekend visitor, you can savour Martinborough’s finest wines and beautifully crafted cuisine in a picturesque vineyard setting.

During autumn and winter, the Cellar Door welcomes visitors from 11 am to 4 pm daily.

With over 30 years of winemaking expertise, Palliser Estate truly represents the essence of Martinborough’s terroir.

Location: Kitchener Street, Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island.

© Palliser Estate

7. Coney Wines

Experience a wine lover’s paradise at Coney Wines, featuring informative tastings and delightful sessions with the winemaker.

We personally love their knowledgeable team, who guide you through their beautiful wines every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm.

For a more substantial experience, the on-site restaurant 3 Little Words offers a delightful sit-down dining experience. It’s the perfect spot to gather with friends and family, celebrating life with laughter, feasts and, of course, exquisite wines.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch or simply bask in the sun with a glass of their finest.

Location: 107 Dry River Road, RD1 Martinborough.

© Sarah-Rose on Flickr

8. Haythornthwaite Wines

Discover a family-owned boutique vineyard nestled on the ancient alluvial Martinborough river terraces. Haythornthwaite Wines, also known as HT3, focuses on quality over quantity, producing exquisite Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer.

The eleven-acre vineyard boasts deep, free-draining gravel soil overlaid with gravelly silt loam, creating the perfect terroir for their award-winning wines. We personally love the intimate atmosphere and the chance to chat with owners Mark and Susan Haythornthwaite about their passion for sustainable vineyard management.

All vineyard work, from pruning to harvesting, is done by hand, ensuring the highest quality fruit. Open most days during summer and weekends year-round, it’s a must-visit for wine enthusiasts exploring Martinborough’s vineyards.

Location: 45 Omarere Road, Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island.

© Pexels

9. Brodie Estate Vineyard

Discover the unique terroir of Brodie Estate, where silts over tight clays and gravels create the perfect conditions for their award-winning wines.

Planted in 2001, their ten-acre vineyard specialises in Pinot Noir, grown without irrigation to produce small, flavourful berries.

The estate is open from December to Easter, offering not only wine tastings but also oils, platters, and live music during summer.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the vibrant displays, while families can enjoy the winery’s welcoming atmosphere.

Location: 142 Dublin Street, Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island.

© Pexels

10. Colombo Martinborough

Enjoy in the laid-back charm of Colombo Martinborough, a boutique winery offering a relaxed cellar door experience. We personally love their approach to wine tasting, where you can savour their selection at your own pace.

Choose to lounge on beanbags under the Wairarapa sun or cosy up by the fire in winter. Enjoy wine by the glass or share a bottle with friends, complemented by their tasty food options.

While they don’t offer traditional tastings, wine flights are available for those keen to explore their range. Their winemaking team is always on hand to answer any questions, adding a personal touch to your visit.

Location: 107 Todds Road, Martinborough, Wellington Region, North Island.

© Don Benny Vergara