Queen’s Birthday Weekend marks our first exclusive launch of new vintage Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay from the iconic Te Kairanga Wines in Martinborough - one of New Zealand's smallest and highest quality wine regions. Join Regional Wines enthusiasm for these outstanding wines, from the 2018 vintage, exclusively available in store and online from Friday 29 May...

* We have further events and tastings planned too and will be regularly updating customers on these, along with Covid-19 restrictions. 

Pictured above: Te Kairanga Frater's Vineyard

This month we are privileged to announce the formation of a new annual collaboration with Te Kairanga Wines, one of Martinborough's most historically important wineries, formed in 1984. Today the winery is owned by Foley Wines, whose major investor is Bill Foley. Foley Wines also owns Martinborough Vineyard and Lighthouse Gin, among other wine brands. Bill privately owns Wharekauhau Country Estate.

The beautiful, windswept southern Wairarapa coast is home to the Wharekauhau Country Estate, which was the setting for the relaunch of Te Kairanga wines and the first fresh new vintages back in 2014 (of the 2013 wines) made by winemaker John Kavanagh. He took over the winemaking when Foley purchased Te Kairanga. Wharekauhau means place of learning, which makes its name rather apt for a winery that was amongst the first in a new wine region. 

Te Kairanga was established in Martinborough in 1984, making it one of the very first in Martinborough. Their vines are planted on land that was originally owned by the founding father of Martinborough, John Martin.

It began well but had a slightly chequered career for a few years, prior to Foley's purchase. Foley and Kavanagh have since given this great winery a new lease of life.The quality has caught the attention of international judges. At the Decanter World Wine Awards last year, Te Kairanga’s top Pinot Noir, the 2017 Te Kairanga John Martin Pinot Noir, won the best trophy and the 2017 Te Kairanga Runholder was awarded a gold with 95 points. We are thrilled to be on board to launch these exceptional wines every year going forward from 2020.

Pinot Noir grapes at Te Kairanga Wines, Martinborough

Today we associate New Zealand Pinot Noir with wineries in the deep south, especially Central Otago, which has become a hugely powerful brand as a region for its role in marketing Pinot Noir. But Martinborough is where Pinot Noir first had its biggest modern success in New Zealand.

Pre-order and buy new Te Kairanga Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay here.

2018 Te Kairanga John Martin Pinot Noir Special $45.99

(RRP $49.99)

2018 Te Kairanga John Martin Chardonnay Special $38.99

(RRP $42.99) Very limited quantities.

2018 Te Kairanga Runholder Pinot Noir Special $35.99
(RRP $38.99)

* All Te Kairanga wines will be on special for the month of June.