"Boutique" encapsulates the life and soul of Martinborough and over the past few decades, the region has firmly made its mark on the world wine map, largely because of its exquisite pinot noir.
The most striking feature of the region's 50 or so wineries is their compact nature. Many are family-owned,
and some are so boutique that they could be housed on your front lawn.
Start your wine trail with an introductory tasting at the Martinborough Wine Centre. Housed in what was once the largest single-span building in Australasia, this fabulous gabled structure showcases a panoply of varieties.
If you don't have a nose for pinot noir, don't despair, because Martinborough also produces excellent sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot gris and Bordeaux blends. About 30 wineries are within walking distance of the main street. Alternatively, pedalling your way from winery to winery is an increasingly popular pursuit, simply choose between guided and self-guided cycling tours. With so many wineries to choose from, time could well be your biggest enemy.
Here are my pet picks from the vine. Martinborough Vineyard, one of the original producers, is very close to town and specialises in pinot noir. Palliser Estate Wines is one of the nation's most successful global players. This superb winery is centrally located in Kitchener St. Te Kairanga Wines has a lovely 130-year-old worker's cottage, and you can picnic under the trees. Last, but not least, the family-owned Tirohana Estate winery has fabulous gardens.
