Martinborough, New Zealand - a wine lover's dream destination

In the lower west of New Zealand's North Island and a short drive south from Greytown (see my previous post) is the small village of Martinborough.  Although tiny, with a population of less than 2000, this lively community is well worth a visit.  Its greatest drawcard is the many fine wineries, specialising in pinot noir, dotted around the surrounding countryside.  Martinborough enjoys a warm micro climate with hills to the east and west and dry riverbeds threaded through the area offering the perfect soil for growing grapes.  There are around 30 wineries in Martinborough.  They are mostly family owned and within walking distance of the village making it the perfect place for a wine lovers holiday.

A relaxing afternoon at  Colombo Winery, Martinborough

This enthusiastic community makes the most of its wineries, staging a number of annual events to draw in the crowds.  One of the most popular is the Round the Vines, a 10k or 20k walk/run around the vineyards. It is a fun event where many people dress up and enjoy the live music and wine tasting at stations along the way. Sounds like a great way to spend a day, sadly I have never participated... maybe one day! Martinborough also hosts a classic car event in late January and the very popular Toast Martinborough Wine Festival in November.

Martinborough Hotel

Packed with colonial charm, this delightful village was founded in 1879 by John Martin who named it after himself, laying the streets radiating from the village square  in the pattern of the Union Jack and naming them after places he had visited.  Amongst a number of quaint buildings surrounding the square  the most prominent and notable is the Martinborough Hotel.  Built in 1882 it was originally a hostelry for wealthy travelers from isolated sheep stations, today it is usually busy with travelers from all over the world at least it was until covid struck! I'm sure it will be again.

The leafy square, the heart of the village (photo by Lanma726)

It doesn't take long to wander the shops however they are well worth a  browse.  Probably the most well know of them all is Martinborough Wine Merchants which sells not only wine but a vast array of locally produced food products.  I guarantee you won't leave without buying something tantalising to take home.  There are also a number of good options for dining including the popular Cafe Medici and the In The Neighbourhood Coffee House where we had breakfast. We were astonished by its array of cabinet food, all looking delicious and making decisions difficult. I'd definitely go back there, it is always a testament to a cafe when there is a long queue at the counter.

There is nothing better than spending an afternoon with good friends and family at a winery, enjoying good wine, conversation and platters of meats, cheeses, olives and hot pizzas and that was how I rounded out my visit to Martinborough. It had been a while since I'd been there, it won't be so long until the next time.

For more information: www.wairarapanz.com