The wairarapa

The Wairarapa, a small region on the southeastern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, produces only 1% of New Zealand’s total wine volume, but it makes up for it in quality. Planted to about 45% Pinot Noir, 25% Sauv Blanc and the rest largely other white grapes, the region was first recognized for its potential in the 1890’s but was only officially designated in 2017.

The area sits largely in the rain shadow of the Tararua Range. It is crossed by several rivers and ancient river terraces are covered by 20–50cm of silt loam soils and sandy gravels, with bits of windblown loess in places.

The region has a semi-maritime climate, influenced by the long coastline to the east and south. It enjoys long sunshine hours and warm temperatures during summer. The Rimutaka and Tararua ranges give some shelter from the north-western wind that occurs during spring and summer.

Naturally breezy conditions control vine vigor. They also affect flowering resulting in a lower yield with smaller bunches and high skin-to-pulp ratios. This in turn helps to achieve great intensity in the wines.

The region is divided into 3 sub-regions:

Masterton

Masterton is the largest town in Wairarapa and was the first area grapes were planted in the region, over a century ago. The valley is shadowed by the Tararua ranges, and early morning frosts are common, contrasted by incredible hot summer days. This diurnal range produces complex and flavourful wines, with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir the dominant varieties.

Gladstone

Just south of the district’s largest town, Masterton, the sub-region of Gladstone is blessed with free-draining river terraces and a cooler climate with plenty of sunshine. Clay amongst the stony silt loams suits the predominant Pinot Noir very well, alongside lively Sauvignon Blanc and impressive aromatics. The harvest festival each March showcases Gladstone’s bounty.

Martinborough

This picturesque colonial village is surrounded by small vineyards, tended by family-owned producers. With a climate and soil profile similar to that of Burgundy, it’s no wonder that Martinborough has excited the wine world. Acclaimed Pinot Noir, vivid Sauvignon Blanc, and elegant aromatics and Syrah are all produced in this most southerly Wairarapa sub-region, which boasts free-draining soils and a cool, dry climate.

Matahiwi estate

Matahiwi Estate, nestled in the heart of the Wairarapa, is an award-winning, family-owned winery.

Matahiwi Estate produces its wine according to the criteria of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) over 75ha. The estate uses zero-residual applications of vineyard treatments only as necessary, and works to conserve land and water resources throughout the vine growing and winemaking processes.

Grapes are predominantly grown in the Wairarapa with small volumes of Chardonnay and Syrah sourced from selected vineyard sites in Hawke’s Bay. The Wairarapa vineyards including the Sauvignon Blanc plots lie on the north-west outskirts of Masterton.

Having harbored a lifelong dream of owning a winery and crafting exceptional New Zealand wines, Alastair Scott returned to his childhood homeland in the Wairarapa to begin his quest for the perfect terroir to produce outstanding Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc wines.

Today, Alastair’s dedication to crafting award-winning wines that reflect the essence and flavors of the Wairarapa is not just a passion but also his thriving business.

“I used to dream of owning a vineyard; now, I dream of sharing its wines with the world. My team and I take great pleasure in collaborating with buyers to promote Matahiwi Estate’s wines both domestically and overseas,” says Alastair, who also boasts a talent for delivering ‘dad jokes’ with flair.

The Wines

ME Sauvignon Blanc

The ME range is designed to overdeliver with intense, fruit-driven quality at very reasonable prices. The Sauv Blanc is loaded with grapefruit, grass and the classic NZ aroma of gooseberry. Light and fresh, like a cooling summer breeze.