Ata Rangi Winery: A Must-Visit Destination for Wine Lovers in Martinborough
Located at the southern end of the North Island in Martinborough, Ata Rangi Winery is a small, family-owned winery that has made waves in the wine world.
The name Ata Rangi, which means “dawn sky” or “new beginning” in Maori, represents the aspirations of the Paton family, who own and manage the winery.
History and Ownership
Clive Paton, his wife Phyll, and his sister Alison are the trio behind Ata Rangi. Clive, who planted his first vines on a small, stony sheep paddock at the edge of the Martinborough village in 1980, was one of the pioneers of winegrowing in the region. Today, Ata Rangi is one of the founding vineyards of Martinborough.
Flagship Wine
Ata Rangi Pinot Noir is the flagship wine of the winery and has an enviable international reputation. In fact, in 2010, it was honored with the inaugural Tipuranga Teitei o Aotearoa or “Grand Cru of New Zealand.”
Visiting Ata Rangi Winery
Ata Rangi offers a unique, intimate experience based in its original winery. Visitors can explore the history of the business, the local industry, the climate, and soils that create distinctiveness in the wines of the region, and specifically at Ata Rangi. The tours include a tutored tasting of a range of Ata Rangi's current release wines and an opportunity to purchase, either to take with you or, depending on the country, arrange shipping to your home.
Service Charge
Please note that there is a $5 service charge per visitor, which will give you the personal service of one of their friendly and knowledgeable team members in explaining their wines.
International Reputation
Ata Rangi is well established in 25 international markets, and it has an enviable reputation as one of the New World's most respected Pinot Noir producers. US travel writer Kurt Jacobson visited Ata Rangi in December 2015 and described it as "one of New Zealand's best wineries."
When to Visit
The best time to visit Ata Rangi Winery is during the summer (December to February) when the weather is most pleasant. Autumn (March to May) is also a beautiful time to visit when the vine leaves turn red and gold.
How to Get There
Ata Rangi Winery is located at 14 Puruatanga Road in Martinborough, just a 1.5-hour drive from Wellington. The scenic journey takes visitors through the Rimutaka Ranges and the Wairarapa countryside. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.