Wairarapa wines lead into a compact North Island region where Pinot Noir is the best-known discovery. Explore Martinborough’s vineyard terraces, then head north to Gladstone and Masterton for different expressions of the same broad landscape. Sheltered by the Tararua ranges, vineyards experience marked contrasts between daytime and nighttime temperatures, with site and season making a real difference. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and aromatic varieties add rewarding alternatives to the region’s fragrant, savoury reds. Some producers also make sweeter wines. Wairarapa is broader than Martinborough, so compare the full origin, grape and winemaking approach to discover its range.
