Wairarapa Wines

The Wairarapa region, north east of Wellington and with its eastern boundary the Pacific Ocean, was first known for its outstanding farmland.

Nowadays, it is home to three fine wine sub-regions, linked by the power of the Ruamahanga River which flows from the Tararua mountains to Palliser Bay. Meeting Lake Wairarapa, it inspired the region’s Maori name, meaning Glistening Waters.

The fascination of wine is in evidence here.  The three sub-regions (Martinborough, Gladstone, Masterton) share similar soils and geology based on river gravels cast over thousands of years, and a broadly similar climate.  Yet there are discernable differences in the flavour profiles and taste nuances between the three  ...  an elegant puzzle for wine-loves to explore.

Gladstone

Natural river terraces rise steeply from the stony riverbed and create a challenging and satisfying environment for grape-growing and winemaking.  The terraces revel in long hours of bright sunshine, coupled with moderate rainfall and vigorous winds for healthy vines.

Winemakers test the sub-region’s potential with a variety of varietals as they explore its boundaries to the utmost.   Vineyards are all family-owned and run, around Dakin’s Road and Gladstone Road.

In March, they celebrate the growing year with a unique intimate Harvest Festival, held on a single riverside site. The festival is as relaxed and informal as its community, beneath 1000-year old native trees.  A new wine-making tradition is well under way.  See www.wairarapawines.co.nz for more information.

Masterton

The oldest grape-growing centre in the region is also arguably the newest.  Although grapes were first planted around Masterton a century ago by early settlers, that venture was short-lived when temperance forces closed down the fledgling industry in the early 1900s.

During the late 1980s, new grapes were planted in the areas around Paierau Road, Matahiwi Road, and Loopline Road areas outside Masterton, attracted by the bold climate and gravelly limestone soils.

The brooding Tararua Ranges exert a powerful influence over the wide open spaces in this northern Wairarapa sub-region, triggering a cycle of frosts and sunny days to develop complex flavours in the grapes.  Sauvignon blanc and pinot noir are the main varieties in this sub-region.  See www.wairarapawines.co.nz for more information.