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

Day 11-Wine Tasting , Martinborough- 4/21/2024

Today we are on a half day Winery tour from Wellington to Martinborough located about an hour or so north of Wellington. Martinborough is fast making a name for itself as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading wine regions. Each weekend, Wellingtonians make the trek over the Remutakas to escape to this European-style wine village. This small group tour is a convenient way to visit Martinborough. There’s no need to stress about driving on country backroads, and no need to plan the day’s itinerary, leaving you to focus on the wine and the iconic scenery.

Our first stop is Poppies Martinborough, a boutique winery located in Wairarapa's iconic wine village.  From the parking lot we can see their vineyard  and in the courtyard they have beautiful mature plane trees.

The entrance into the winery

Courtyard leading inside the winery. Poppy and Shayne Hammond with a selected group of likeminded people set out to forge their own direction in making wines with tradition flowing through the glass, fashions and fads come and go however they believe traditional wines have the essence and romance of longevity. Staying true to outcome is vital and when you drink their wines from any different season you will always see the family resemblance, thus a true Poppies Martinborough wine is made how they love to drink.

Poppies has a tasting room and are complemented by seasonal platters showcasing fresh local produce designed to elevate the tasting experience.  This is the low season so there are not a lot of people around.

We were led to a long wooden bar which is the heart of their tasting room experience.  The bar was Crafted from natural wood, giving it a warm, rustic feel that fits the vineyard's artisanal character.

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Welcome panel and view of the vineyard from the tasting room.

View of the winery from inside the tasting room.

Poppies list of wine.

Designed to encourage conversation, both among guests and with the hosts, especially Poppy herself, who is often there personally pouring and sharing the stories behind each wine.

First we are starting with a Rosé, Poppies Martinborough Rosé is made from pinot noir grapes following the traditions bequeathed by Provence in France, preferring a more delicate variety and allowing the red fruits to predominate over the more dense rich fruits.

The atmosphere is somewhat casual in a social and relaxed setting, not overly formal, where people can take their time, ask questions, and savor both the wine and the atmosphere.

Next we are tasting the 2023 Sauvignon Semillon.

Poppy described her Sauvignon: Succulence are generally not in the same camp for me, but this combination (15% Semillon, 85% Sauvignon) delivers just that.... it's inviting with its glistening appearance then on top, scents of white flowers, white peach, lemon meringue, and an overall sense of creaminess…bringing a refreshing but softness to the aromas.

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Next we are tasting the 2023 Pinot Gris described as: Spicy, sexy, and seductive, a very saucy introduction into a wine conversation. This is a truly sumptuous aromatic wine showing richness and opulence with hints of mineralogy.

And ending with the 2023 Martinborough Gewürztraminer described as: We love Gewürztraminer more than any other variety. If there was ever anyone truly deserving of this wine, then think of vivacious Marilyn Monroe undulating over the subway grate in her fluttering white dress - fun, flirtatious, seductive, sexy, and simply the most beautiful among the beautiful.

Finishing the tasting with a 2023 Late Harvest Riesling with the following description: Imagine the power and the concentration required of the wire walker, having to create the absolute perfect tension in the wire to ensure the perfect balance can be achieved. As the walk proceeds; the walker cannot be heavy in stature but must be intensely structured, not visually, but there should be an underlying calming persona with the zest to live and without the arrogance to hinder success.

Hoa tasting the Late harvest Riesling,

These are the wine we tasted.

We had lots of fun tasting the wine and talking to the people around us.

We are now headed to where we can buy the wine.

It is the intention of Poppies Martinborough to make beautifully hand-crafted wines that simply show the character and evoke the varietal flavors and purity of expression from the land and the hands of the makers. 

Wine listed for sale.  Unfortunately we did not buy anything as have another few months on the road and it is simply not convenient to carry wine around.

The rain came and we could not hang out in the courtyard.

In the summer there are a lot of people coming here to enjoy the wine and grab a few bites.

We are now leaving the property

Our tour guide drove us around and the scenery is simply beautiful,

NEXT... Palliser Estate, Martinborough