Wairarapa

Wairarapa produces just 1% of New Zealand's wine, and yet it is world-famous for producing many of the country's best, celebrated wine region known for its exceptional Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and aromatic white wines.

Wairarapa is nestled in the lower North Island and comprises five small townships, each with its own character and charm. The climate is perfect for wine, with warm summers and cold winters akin to those in Burgundy - the paragon for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The Ruamahanga River flows from the Tararua Range and through the valleys, hills and plains of the three winegrowing sub-regions, towards the coast. Over millennia it has carved dramatic cliffs, exposing the free-draining soils and alluvial river terraces that give the region’s wines their unmistakable character.

“The limestone-rich soils, temperate coastal climate and shelter from the Tararua mountain range create the perfect conditions for Pinot Noir.” New Zealand Winegrowers

Wairarapa Sub-regions

Despite its small size, the region is made up of three distinct sub-regions, each contributing unique characteristics to its wines.

Martinborough is the most well-known and internationally recognised sub-region, producing some of New Zealand’s finest Pinot Noir. The area is defined by free-draining alluvial soils, a dry climate, and strong wind influence, all of which contribute to deeply structured, complex, and age-worthy wines. Alongside Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris thrive here.

Further north, Gladstone offers a slightly milder climate and more clay-rich soils, resulting in softer, more perfumed Pinot Noir. The region is also known for its elegant Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc. Gladstone is home to small, family-run wineries, which focus on sustainable, artisan winemaking.

Masterton, the northernmost sub-region, is the historic birthplace of Wairarapa wine, with plantings dating back to the 19th century. It has a slightly warmer climate, allowing for rich, structured Pinot Noir and refined Chardonnay.
These three sub-regions, though boutique in scale, produce wines that consistently rival New Zealand’s finest, solidifying Wairarapa’s status as a premium cool-climate wine region.

Pinot Noir
Wairarapa’s signature variety, Pinot Noir wines, display dark cherry, plum, and red berry flavours, often with hints of spice, floral notes, and earthy undertones. These some of New Zealand’s most sought-after Pinot Noirs.

Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc differs from the typical Marlborough style, showing richer tropical fruit, citrus, and a more textural mouthfeel. Some producers opt for oak aging, creating complex, layered wines.

Chardonnay
Chardonnay thrives in Wairarapa’s cool, dry climate, producing elegant wines with flavours of citrus, white peach, and toasted hazelnut. Many undergo barrel fermentation, adding richness and a refined, creamy texture.

Pinot Gris
Another standout variety, offering ripe pear, apple, and floral aromas, with a silky, slightly oily texture that adds weight to the body.

Others
Amongst other varieties, Riesling is crisp and mineral-driven, with lime, green apple, and honeyed notes, while Gewürztraminer is bold and exotic, showcasing lychee, rose petal, and spice flavours.

(Infographic by New Zealand Winegrowers)

Geographical Indication (GI) and Provenance

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a designation that identifies a wine as originating from a specific region, attributing certain qualities, reputation, or characteristics to that area. The Wairarapa wine region was officially registered as a GI in 2017, preserving its unique identity and reputation.

Within the Wairarapa GI, there are notable sub-regions that have also achieved GI status:
Martinborough: renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir, Martinborough is the largest sub-region in terms of vineyard area. It includes areas like the Te Muna Valley, situated approximately 9km east of the village, characterised by similar soils but higher elevation, cooler night-time temperatures, and stronger winds.

Gladstone: another distinguished sub-region within Wairarapa, contributing to the region's diverse wine offerings.

These GIs are important in protecting the authenticity of wines from these areas, and provides consumers with confidence in the origin and quality of the wines they enjoy.