Ata Rangi

Martinborough

Ata Rangi, located in the Martinborough region of New Zealand's North Island, is one of the country’s most iconic wineries, renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir. The geography and terroir of Martinborough are integral to Ata Rangi’s reputation for crafting world-class wines, but so too is the way in which sustainable wine growing practices pervade every part of their approach.

The business’s founder, Clive Paton, planted his first vines in 1980, and has since translated his lifelong passion for conservation and the environment into the land and the way the vineyards are managed, with native tree plantings, organic vineyards, the use of indigenous yeasts, and a strong connection with the people who work there are the local community.

It's a commitment which lies behind the elegance, structure, and depth of their wines, and the international reputation they have earned.

Winemaker

Helen Masters

Helen joined Ata Rangi as Winemaker in 2003. With over two decades of experience at Ata Rangi, Helen has developed a deep understanding of the region's terroir, which combines her with winemaking philosophy based on minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard and fruit to express themselves in the wines.

Like Ata Rangi’s founder, she has a constant drive to do better by the planet, plants and people – something which has become intrinsic to her winemaking.

Her expertise has been instrumental in developing Ata Rangi’s reputation for producing exceptional Pinot Noir, now widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest, as well as standout Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and is the reason for the numerous accolades she has received.

Essence of Place

The Ata Rangi team farm around 32 hectares, spread over 14 vineyards clustered around the village of Martinborough. Ata Rangi’s home vineyards attained full organic status in 2014.

The area benefits from a unique geography and terroir that are ideal for producing world-class wines, particularly Pinot Noir. The ancient alluvial soils, rich in gravel and silt, are free-draining and low in fertility, encouraging deep root growth and concentrated fruit. And a cool, dry climate with warm days and crisp nights allows for slow, even ripening, enhancing flavour complexity and acidity.

Many of the vineyards are planted on gently sloping sites, optimizing sun exposure and creating microclimates that enhance grape ripening.

These conditions create elegant, structured wines that reflect Martinborough’s distinctive character.