Wairarapa's Best Wineries

Wairarapa's Best Wineries

Pick up a map of the area vineyards at Martinborough's visitor center, then hit the road to sip at some of the country's best up-and-coming vineyards. Here are the top local picks.

Ata Rangi Vineyard. This winery makes exceptional chardonnay, pinot noir, and Célèbre (a cabernet-merlot-shiraz blend) in small quantities.[. Puruatanga Rd. 06/306-9570. www.atarangi.co.nz. Tastings Oct.-Apr., weekdays 1-3, weekends 11-5

Coney Wines. Have lunch here for a view over the vines that produce a terrific pinot noir and pinot gris plus a rosé you can get only on-site.[. Dry River Rd. 06/306-8345. Tastings Fri., Sat., and Sun. 11-5

Martinborough Vineyard. This fine regional winery was the first to convince the world of the Wairarapa's pinot noir potential. The chardonnay is also exceptional.[. Princess St. 06/306-9955. www.martinborough-vineyard.co.nz. Tastings daily 11-3

Murdoch James Vineyard. This boutique producer of a wide range of Martinborough wines is only a 10-minute scenic drive out of town. Try their smooth 2004 Blue Rock pinot noir in the on-site Riverview Café, paired with a pan-seared sirloin with wild mushrooms on soft polenta. The café keeps the same hours as the tasting room but is closed Wednesday, November through March, and Monday and Tuesday April through October.[. Dry River Rd. 06/306-9165. 06/306-9120. www.murdochjames.co.nz. Tastings year-round, daily 11-5:30

Palliser Estate. Don't miss the whites here -- they're some of the best locally. The sauvignon blanc, as well as the pinot noir, are distinguished by their intense flavors.[. Kitchener St. 06/306-9019. www.palliser.co.nz. Tastings daily 10-4