Martinborough

In the South of the North Island, the Martinborough area is often included in the Wairarapa region, 50 kilometers east of the capital Wellington. The vineyards are mainly concentrated around the village of Martinborough. The vineyards are arranged in terraces on the slopes of the valley that follows the course of the Ruamahanga River.

The region is accustomed to a cooler climate than other parts of the island. The hills surrounding the region protect the vineyards from sea winds and allow for a fairly dry climate. Martinborough has climatic characteristics that are favourable to the vine, similar to the Marlborough region: strong sunshine, cool nights and little precipitation. Its notable thermal amplitude between day and night allows the grapes to reach full maturity while preserving the power of its aromas.

The king grape variety of the region is Pinot Noir. With it, the wine growers elaborate dense, rich and complex wines with flavours of black plum and other black fruits, with notes reminiscent of game. These Pinot Noir wines are considered more complex and intelligent than those produced in New Zealand's Central Otago region.