Poppies
91 Puruatanga Rd, Martinborough
Image Credit: Poppies | Instagram
There are few things that make my heart flutter quite like Poppies. She's old-worldly, she's rustic, she's giving industrial chic garden but in the best way possible. Paying homage to the stories that came before the drop, this Martinborough winery swings open the Cellar Door for an imagination-fuelled experience. Yes, it's as glorious as it sounds.
$15 wine tastings feels like a drop in the ocean once you step inside this intentionally curated space. They call it emotionally charged, to me it's just a great vibe. Husband and wife owners Shayne and Poppy (or Pop) serve you, which adds an extra touch of closeness to what's in your glass. While they've mainly offered their wine exclusively on-site, there's a rare scattering of bottles across the region.
This place has been around for over a decade, yet somehow the drop here feels fresh and new each visit. Perhaps it's the way they let the wine do the talking with minimal intervention. I'm about it.
Drive Time: 1 hour 13 minutes from Wellington
Pair With: An onsite vineyard platter
The Runholder
89 Martins Rd, Martinborough
Image Credit: The Runholder | Instagram
As the newest—dare I say flashiest—Martinborough winery, The Runholder entered the scene with showstopping energy. I honestly cannot get enough of the stretching views over Martinborough's rolling meadows from the terrace. The sun's known presence and moody shadows add to the ambiance of this sun-drenched oasis amidst cultivated farmland.
Wander through sky-high glass doors into this lush fitout set beneath an industrial apex roof. Long-lunching raised tables frame the main dining quarters and the juxtaposition of the vineyards outside make for an impressive view. This place also homes Lighthouse Gin Distillery which adds an extra reason to roadtrip here.
Sure, you may come for the wine, but the calibre of this establishment's food is nodworthy, too. A celebration of Wairapa's bounty of local produce, the menu whispers with sophistication yet simultaneously, a gentle humbleness. My pick's the crispy skin Ora King Salmon, with charcoal roasted leek, crisp fennel, lemon and capers. This is also one of the few Martinborough wineries with a completely dedicated kids menu and tasting room with accompanying share plates.
Drive Time: 1 hour 19 minutes from Wellington
Pair With: A romantic or group stay at Lismore House & Barn
Palliser Estate
96 Kitchener St, Martinborough
Image Credit: Palliser | Urban List NZ
A great place to graze sheep, or a great place to make wine? The friendly team at Palliser Estate voted for vino and I dub it a winning choice. Passionate about sustainable wine production for the people, the land and the community, tas of 2025, they've been under full organic management.
This Kiwi owned locale wins best outside setup for Martinborough, in my opinion. Home to alfresco festival's like the Summer Asado and curating seasonal menus that hero the region's finest, Palliser's Cuisine Hat is the icing on the cake. And the wine? Well, the 2017 Reisling and Pinot Noir are actually available in a swanky joint in Venice - yes, in Italy. And that alone speaks volumes for the callibre of wines crafted at this classic winery.
Drive Time: 1 hour 16 minutes from Wellington
Pair With: A stunning retreat at Ministry of Yoga
Schubert
57 Cambridge Rd, Martinborough
If it's a boutique winery with a rich heritage and tasting room to boot you're after, Schubert is it. A certified organic vineyard since 2013 and one of the oldest wineries of the Martinborough region, they're also exclusive importers of the Gabriel Glass. It's versatile in that the tulip-meets-bell shape is perfect for a range of tipple types, and it makes for the perfect keepsake.
Top shelf Pinot Noirs pull a crowd, and the vineyard-side picnic garden makes for a top sipping spot.
Drive Time: 1 hour 21 minutes from Wellington
Pair With: A meander through the wine region on an Indi Bike
Moy Hall
1 Martins Rd, Martinborough
Image Credit: Palliser | Urban List NZ
Moy Hall is hot property for customisable drink flights and one of the best dry Rosés in the area. Set beside rows of vines, what I love most is the encouragement to take your time. Be it a laze in the sun, a toddle with the littlies - they're incredibly accommodating - or simply to soak in that view paired perfectly with particularly great service. Order share plates slowly, and lap up the elevated feel with a down-to-earth and welcoming atmosphere.
The house made gnocchi with Gorgonzola and sage fonduta is a shining star on the creative menu that features comfort foods like osso bucco and inventive dishes like espresso maple glazed salmon with sweet corn succotash and lime slaw.
There are wines aplenty. Whether you prefer a Pinot Gris with notes of peach, or lean more into rich cherry flavours for your Pinot Noir. The tipple's top shelf, the atmosphere is delightful, and the food really does sing. Somehow a visit here always ends with a reasonably modest bill. Even more reason to return again (and again).
Drive Time: 1 hour 13 minutes from Wellington
Pair With: A unique stay at Yurt on York
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Nga Waka
57 Cambridge Rd, Martinborough
Their jam's crafting wines that reflect Martinborough's character and beauty. So it makes complete sense that Nga Waka was awarded a Silver Qualmark earlier this year. This is a nodworthy acknowledgement of their commitment to sustainability and genuine Kiwi hospitality.
The Cellar Door's illuminated by warm pendant lighting, there's a polished cement fireplace and the vibe's laid back and casual. AKA it's the perfect winery in Martinborough to kick back with friends for a relaxed catch up vine-side. There's roving pizzas Friday through Sunday 12-3pm and if you've got your eye on a slice, be sure to make a booking. You've been warned.
Drive Time: 1 hour 11 minutes from Wellington
Pair With: Pitstop selfies at Twin Lakes Lookout
Colombo Martinborough
107 Todds Rd, Ponatahi
Lawn games hit different at a winery. Then again, so does the outdoor cinema at this picturesque vineyard and pizzeria. Pull up a beanbag with your choice of white or red flights. This lineup work out to be about two glasses total, making it a top choice for a long-lunching daytrip.
The sprawling covered deck is worth mentioning since it makes this locale one of the best Martinborough wineries to remain bone-dry on rainy days, too. Stay for sunset over the mountains. True bliss.
Drive Time: 1 hour 16 minutes from Wellington
Pair With: Pitstop pastries at Jean's Cafe
Grava
50 Kitchener St, Martinborough
Image Credit: Urban List NZ
Grava is where everyone must visit, just once, and then many more times. It's the type of winery that's unapologetically bold, thoughtfully considered and splashed with joy on every occasion. This passionate team span Aotearoa and Spain with a two-decade history. They're advocates for life's simple pleasures and eloquently execute refined wines that respect the senses.
Part celebration of elements (Grava is Spanish for gravel and represents the original qualities to this material, including its crunch) part artistry, the relationship the Grava crew have with their wine will have you in awe, it's #couplegoals.
Wines are often accompanied by their own symphony-backed video story and taste descriptions feel more like date enliveners that give voice to their modern antics like, 'read a book in the shade. Eyes closed, float in the water. A platter for dinner.' I cannot stress this enough - a visit must be on your list. Sip indulgently.
Drive Time: 1 hour 11 minutes from Wellington
Pair With:Proposing to the owners
Big Sky
415 Te Muna Rd, Martinborough
You may have noticed that many a Martinborough winery homes a vibrant personality and a sincere appreciation for a good drop. Big Sky take things one step further with fourth generation winemaker Jeremy and winemaking aficionado Katherine behind the blends.
Te Muna Valley homes their pristine vineyard, considered a return to self following a move back to New Zealand from France back in 2005. While the namesake's an ode to cloudless summer days, I feel it could also be tied to the team's big picture thinking - of the land, its people and the future.
This multi-award-winning winery keeps their collection of wines small, but mighty. I recommend making an appointment to visit the cellar door for a private tasting with Katherine. Watch the passion spill out of her mouth and into the air - listen closely and you might here every grape on the vine say a little 'shucks' for all the compliments she slings their way.
Drive Time: 1 hour 19 minutes from Wellington
Pair With: A wander through the nearby lavender farm
Tirohana Estate
42 Puruatanga Rd, Wairarapa
This winery wins extra points for their super convenient complimentary accommodation shuttle, so you can indulge in the finest tipple without the short straw war with your group. Set inside a classic timber dining hall, Tirohana Estate is the awarded and widely, applauded winery famous for its welcoming hospitality, tasty tipple and meals where you're invited to slow down and enjoy.
Drive Time: 1 hour 13 minutes from Wellington
Pair With: A stay in the area for complimentary shuttle
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Main image credit: Moy Hall | Instagram
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