Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024

Day 11-Moy Hall Winery, Martinborough- 4/21/2024

 Moy Hall vineyard is located on the Martinborough Terrace, a stony silt loam overlaying varying depths of ancient free draining river gravels. In 1989 the land was first planted in vines and has been owned by the McArthur family since 2015. The vineyard currently grows Pinot Noir, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc with vine-age ranging from 4 to 30 years. The vineyard is managed using sustainable practices.

The vineyard block was previously grazing land belonging to the Sutherlands of Moy Hall farm, east of the town. The name came from the Scottish castle and home of Clan Mackintosh near the village of Moy and Loch Moy (Loch A’Mhoigh), meaning The Lake of the Plain, south of Inverness.

The central structure is a Scottish longhouse–style cellar door and restaurant, simple, elegant, with white walls and a pitched roof that was designed to blend into the vineyard landscape

View of the parking lot once you walk in.

As you walk in the first thing you see is large room with a long counter with all the wine they are producing. 

The property features a combined cellar door and restaurant, under Phill and Carolyn McArthur’s stewardship since 2015. Their restaurant has quickly gained a stellar reputation for chef-crafted, seasonal share plates

Moy Hall produces Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Viognier, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Noble Rot dessert wine, with varied availability throughout the year,

The restaurant is like a covered side-deck surrounded by a scenic vineyard.

We are now in the restaurant.  It is really beautiful space with a wonderful view of the vineyard.

There are 5 people in our group and we are all sitting at the same table.

Our table was next to a large window with a wonderful view.

This the view of the vineyard inside the restaurant and next to our table.

Our host telling us about their young Vine Rose, with a taste of summer berry fruits, watermelon and peach blossom on the nose, with strawberries and cream on the palate. Off-dry style and perfect for a hot summer’s day.

 The second bottle is a Pinot Gris with a taste of Nashi pear, nectarine, mead and spice greet the nose with a dry, textural and weighty palate, creating a complex and flavorful wine. Made in a dry style.

Both wine are pretty decent.

The menu

Table set up.

The local bakery bread with olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt.  The bread was really amazing and warm.

Assortment of cheese, nuts, honey, grapes, crackers, and bread.

It was the perfect start with the Rosé and white wine.

Hoa and I we shared the Spanish sherry braised lamb, potatoes bravas, fennel, onion, and rocket salad in a pomegranate and Dijon dressing.

The lamb was succulent and phenomenal and the portion was pretty big.

Next we tasted the 2022 Riverdale red Pinot Noir, a light and fruity pinot noir showing red raspberry and fresh cherries, with a lifted floral perfume and a soft finish.

 We also tasted the 2022Terrace Pinot noir, a classic, complex and perfumed pinot noir, showing bright red cherry fruit, lifted floral, black tea and a spiced oak finish. Fruit handpicked from 15 to 34-year-old vines.

After lunch, we walked around the property.

In the summer I am sure there are a lot of people hanging around the property and enjoying the vineyard.

Grapes on the vine.

The climate is ideally suited to growing cool climate varieties. Windy springs, hot summer days and cool settled autumn months allow long, stable growing seasons. The grapes show full flavors and balanced ripeness, perfect for producing beautiful wine.

Moy Hall produces single-vineyard wines where the quality starts in the vineyard with healthy soils and vines.

This is the backyard looking into the dining room. 

Moy Hall practices traditional winemaking and minimal handling during vinification capture the unique character of the vineyard block and the seasonality of each vintage.

Riesling grapes are typically harvested when fully ripe for optimal sweetness

Late-harvest Riesling is specifically made from overripe grapes, enhancing sweetness.

The windmill you see nearby is part of the region’s charming rural landscape, often evoking a sense of timelessness and a nod to Martinborough’s agricultural heritage. While it isn’t part of the winery itself, it adds character to the surrounding area and enhances the peaceful, rustic feel of the vineyard.

In the distance, the hilly mountain you notice is likely part of the Remutaka Ranges, which form a scenic backdrop to this part of the Wairarapa. These rolling hills give the region its unique microclimate whic is ideal for growing Pinot Noir, which Moy Hall is known for.

NEXT... A stroll in Wellington