Wairarapa

Wairarapa is a small but highly regarded wine region in New Zealand's North Island, located near the southern tip of the island and including the well-known sub-region of Martinborough. Despite its modest size, Wairarapa has built an outsized reputation, particularly for Pinot Noir, thanks to a combination of free-draining gravelly soils, a relatively dry climate for New Zealand, and significant diurnal temperature variation that helps preserve acidity and aromatic intensity in the grapes. Wairarapa Pinot Noir is typically more structured and savoury than Pinot Noir from some of New Zealand's other regions, with flavours of dark cherry, plum, earth and spice. The region also produces excellent Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, often with greater texture and complexity than the more famous, fruit-forward Sauvignon Blanc of Marlborough. Wairarapa wines pair beautifully with a range of dishes, from salmon and duck with Pinot Noir to seafood with the region's whites. At Wines Direct, we offer a selection of Wairarapa wines. Explore our range online, with delivery across Ireland.