No matter how hard one tries these articles never please all of the people, but here are my recommendations of wineries to visit during the Rugby World Cup or any other type of vacation.

My recommendations are based on cellar door experience, quality of the wines, and how much the wineries engage with their customers online and offline.

1, Ata Rangi Martinborough: Considered by many to be the pinnacle of Martinborough Pinot Noir, Ata rangi is still family owned, as are many of the Martinborough vineyards. It’s also worth noting that they make some other varieties that are worthy of note. Try the Pinot Noir but also make sure you try their Chardonnay.
Ata Rangi Pinot Noir is considered a leading New World example of this challenging variety, and was awarded the inaugural ’Tipuranga Teitei o Aotearoa’, which translates as ‘Great Growth’ or ‘Grand Cru’ of Aotearoa.

14 Puruatanga Road
P O Box 43
Martinborough, 5741
NEW ZEALAND

PHONE: + 64 6 306 9570
FAX: +64 6 306 9523

2, Nga Waka Vineyard Martinborough: Owned by Roger Parkinson and was established in 1988. Roger Parkinson is a Roseworthy College graduate and prizewinner with experience in winemaking and viticulture in New Zealand, Australia and France. He is responsible for all aspects of production. Their Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are the real standouts for me.

Kitchener Street,
Martinborough,
New Zealand

Phone: 0064 6 306 9832
Fax: 0064 6 306 9832

3, Schubert Wines Martinborough: Schubert was established in 1998 by Kai Schubert and Marion Deimling, both Geisenheim University Viticulture & Oenology graduates from Germany. Having worked with winemakers like Erni Loosen of Dr. Loosen Estate. They have won numerous awards and accolades for their wines.
Schubert tasting room is just how one would imagine a cellar door to be in Europe. The small red and white hut just off the road is really quite charming. The wines to try are the Tribianco and Pinto Noir.

57 Cambridge Road
Martinborough
New Zealand

Telephone: +64 (0)6 3068505
Facsimile: +64 (0)6 3068506

4, Martinborough Vineyards: The name of this vineyard speaks volumes. Their 1998 Martinborough Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir has been ranked No.1 in the “World’s Top 20 Pinot Noirs” and beat some tough competition from France.
After a few lean years they are starting to produce world class wine and are worth seeking out. Try their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Just a short distance from the Towns main square at:

57 Princess Street
Martinborough 5711
Telephone: (06) 306 9955

5, Escarpment Vineyard Martinborough: Situated just 5 kilometres east of Martinborough village, Escarpment’s 24 hectares of distinctive alluvial gravel, terraced land stretches out along the banks of the Huangarua River.
Escarpment Vineyard was established in 1998 by the ever enigmatic Larry McKenna and his wife. They make exceptional Pinot Noir, but their Pinot Blanc is definitely worth a go. Open by appointment only.

59 Todd Road,
Martinborough,
NZ

Phone: 0800 ESCARPMENT (0800 372 277)
or +64 6 306 8305
Fax: + 64 6 306 8315
info@escarpment.co.nz

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Written by Jayson Bryant

Jayson’s roots in wine began when his father literally dragged him round France and injected his passion into him. From the age of 8 his family took month long holidays in France travelling through all regions and sampling their wine.
UnScrewed has reinvented the concept of wine tasting in New Zealand and along the way found a new and willing audience. In addition to encouraging straightforward wine tasting, Jayson educates viewers about the effects of regional factors (soil, sun, wind) on wine flavours, and how to buy wine.

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