Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sights out on the coast and along its rural roads. As is often the case, getting there is half
the fun: the Martinborough area is splendid for a scenic drive.
WAIRARAPA WINE COUNTRY
Wairarapa's world-renowned wine industry was nearly crushed in infancy. The re-
gion's first vines were planted in 1883, but the prohibition movement in 1908 soon
put a cap on that corker idea. It wasn't until the 1980s that winemaking was re-
vived, after Martinborough's terroir(natural environment) was discovered to be
similar to Burgundy in France. A few vineyards soon sprang up, but the number has
now ballooned to around 40 regionwide. Martinborough is the undisputed hub of
the action, but vineyards around Gladstone and Masterton are also on the up. Keep
an eye out for the occasional olive groves with tasting rooms, nestled among the
vines.
tickets $70)
, held annually on the third Sunday in November. Enjoyable on many
levels (standing up and quite possibly lying on the grass), this is a hugely popular
wine, food and music event, and you'll have to be quick on the draw to get a ticket.
rates the beginning of the harvest with an extravaganza of wine, food and family
fun. It's held at a remote riverbank setting 10 minutes from Carterton on a
Saturday in mid-March.
Wairarapa's wineries thrive on visitors; around half of Martinborough's 25-odd
wineries welcome visitors every day, with most of the rest open at the weekends.
Well-oiled cellar doors swing wide open for tastings; some places feature a cafe or
restaurant, while some will rustle up a picnic platter to be enjoyed in their gardens.
The Wairarapa Wine Trail Map(available from the Martinborough i-SITE and many
other locations) will aid your navigations. Read all about it at
A handy place to sample and purchase many wines, and get advice on local cel-
Kitchener St; 10am-5pm)
, which also sells local olive oils, books, clothing and art.
The best and most ecofriendly way to explore the Wairarapa's wines is by bi-
cycle, as the flat landscape makes for puff-free cruising. You can also knock off
quite a few on foot. Should you require transport, however, hop on the daily tasting
$150)
, which features four vineyard tastings, lunch and late-afternoon cheese and
coffee.
