Wairau River Wines
Wairau Valley, New Zealand
- No.52 The World's 50 Best Vineyards 2025
Having grown grapes in Marlborough since the '70s for big hitters like cloudy bay, husband-and-wife duo Phil and Chris Rose founded Wairau River Wines in 1991, releasing their first vintage the same year. Still very much a family affair, today the estate is run by their sons Hamish and Sam, the viticulturist and winemaker respectively, and daughter Pip, the hospitality manager. The best way to make the most of a visit to the estate is over a leisurely lunch on the veranda of in-house restaurant Number 11 headed up by Sam Webb, founder of Franks Oyster Bar and Eatery in Blenheim, where you can feast on fried feta, filo and hot honey followed by lamb shoulder with zhoug and za'atar; take part in a tutored tasting and drink in the views of the vines.
Key Information
- Opening times: Mon – Sun: 10:00 – 16:00
- Signature wine: Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
- Wines produced: Red, White, Rosé, Sweet
- Grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Albariño, Grüner Veltliner, Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Syrah
- Cellar door
- Restaurant
- Hidden gems: Wine tastings, lunch overlooking the vines, bike tours, yoga
- Time from airport: 4 hours 30 minutes from Wellington International Airport
- Visit Wairau River Wines's website
Location
11 Rapaura Road, Renwick 7273, Wairau Valley,
