The Wairarapa region, north east of Wellington and with its eastern boundary the Pacific Ocean, was first known for its outstanding farmland.
Nowadays, it is home to three fine wine sub-regions, linked by the power of the Ruamahanga River which flows from the Tararua mountains to Palliser Bay. Meeting Lake Wairarapa, it inspired the region’s Maori name, meaning Glistening Waters.
The fascination of wine is in evidence here. The three sub-regions (Martinborough, Gladstone, Masterton) share similar soils and geology based on river gravels cast over thousands of years, and a broadly similar climate. Yet there are discernable differences in the flavour profiles and taste nuances between the three ... an elegant puzzle for wine-loves to explore.