Wairau Valley Wine Region

The estimated sub-region of Wairau Valley, in the Marlborough wine region, New Zealand, has a broad palette of wines known worldwide for their distinctive style and high quality. The appellation produces mainly white and sparkling wine from various grapes, but also red wine in lesser amounts. Wairau Valley wines have developed at their best due to specificities such as sunlight hours, vineyard location, and winemaking preferences of the area. These elements provide outstanding flavours and a style of wine found nowhere else in New Zealand or the world. Including Wairau Valley weather, landscapes, and exquisite wine, any wine lover would take full advantage of this lovely region by going there.

Find out more about Wairau Valley wine tours and tastings!

Where is Wairau Valley located?

Wairau Valley is a sub-region of the Malborough region in New Zealand, situated on the edge of the South Island, facing the North Island over the Wairau River, meeting the Pacific Ocean. Overlooking Cloudy Bay’s coast, Wairau Valley’s neighbouring wine appellations are Southern Valley and Awatere Valley. All three make up the mainland of Malborough wine region, among which Wairau Valley is the biggest; its vineyards, surrounding the city of Blenheim, cover approximately 45% of Malborough’s entire vineyards. The Spenser and Richmond mountains and the Wither Hills protect the area from harsh weather conditions and adverse effects; therefore, the local production is impeccable. 

The history of the Wairau Valley wine region

The viticulture in Wairau Valley and the Malborough wine region, in general, started in the second part of the 19th century, when David Herd first planted the vines. However, initially, it was pretty incoherent and poorly managed for further potential development. The winemaking re-emerged by all means in 1973, first initiated by producing Montana wines, the largest producer in New Zealand today. In the meantime, champagne production was peaking in the region by other manufacturers using the traditional methods (méthode traditionelle), and all was pinnacled by producing one of the best Sauvignon Blanc in the 1980s. The Sauvignon Blanc of the Malborough wine region was grabbing more and more global attention and was recognized worldwide. Later in the 1990s and 2000s, wine production dramatically increased, and vineyards grew three and four times. Today, Wairau Valley is home to some most notable wine producers in the country. 

Wairau Valley Terroir

The Wairau Valley soil is quite varied in different areas, but overall it is shallow stony and alluvial, ensuring good drainage. In some parts of the sub-region, soils contain more clay, gravel, and silt, resulting in developing herbaceous aromas in the wine. The climate is also various, reflected in several mesoclimates. Wairau Valley weather is warm and sunny, generally dry, with some cool breezes from Cloudy bay, keeping vines healthy. All those climate factors and abundant sunshine extend the ripening period of grapes and, with the aid of diurnal temperature variations, provide a good balance between the fruity sweetness and acidity in grapes. The average rainfall is 650 mm a year; therefore, irrigation sometimes becomes needed.

Wairau Valley wine characteristics 

Wairau Valley makes excellent white, red, and sparkling wines, but white wine production in the region is significantly predominant. The sub-region is famous for its Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc, with tropical fruit flavours, which is the primary grape variety, representing 63% of wine production. Other authorized grape varieties are Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris for white wine and Pinot Noir for red wine. Using the traditional method, Wairau Valley also produces highly regarded sparkling wine from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, which has attracted giant champagne producers from France. Wairau white wines are crispy and elegant and have flavours of gooseberries, passion fruit, grapefruit, green pepper and herbs, while red wines tend to have favours of red fruits, like cherry and plums.

Food to pair with Wairau Valley wine

Cheese roll

Cheese roll is a New Zealand traditional dish from the Malborough region, made of grilled bread stuffed with cheese, butter, garlic, and onions. This cheesy del​​icacy is usually paired with a salad or green soup and, of course, a glass of Wairau Valley Sauvignon blanc. 

New Zealand Fish and Chips

The Fish and chips dish is believed to be originated in New Zealand. This variant is made from buttered and deep-fried tarahiki, blue warehou or cod fish​​ and then served with French fries and ranch sauce. It is also believed that French fries and other fried items of that ilk are the perfect accompaniment for sparkling wine, especially for Wairau Valley champagne.

Evansdale Farmhouse Brie

Evansdale Farmhouse Brie is a New Zealander cheese resembling French Camembert, with a soft, creamy, buttery texture. There is also a smoked version of Evansdale brie. This aromatic cheese matches exceptionally well with both red and white Wairau Valley wine. 

Places to visit in the Wairau Valley wine region

Nelson Classic Car Museum

Nelson Classic car museum is located in the city near Wairau Valley, and it is a great place to discover a classic collection of retro cars. Among those iconic cars, you will find Cadillac, Triumph, Jaguar, Ferrari and other classics of the 50ies. 

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Located in the town of Blenheim, which is surrounded by Wairau Valley vineyards, Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre represents the exquisite collections of World War I and World War II aircraft with upgraded features, which means that you can not only visit this remarkable museum of historical aircraft but also experience flying in them to discover better how it feels. This museum is a real luck for the ones who appreciate history and would like to learn a little more than just reading it. 

Tahunanui Beach 

Tahunanui Beach is one of the unmissable sights of the region. Located near the city of Nelson, bordering Tasman bay, about 40kms from the Wairau Valley wine region, this fabulous beach is breathtakingly beautiful, recreational, safe, and family-friendly. People go there for paddling, surfing, swimming, and fishing. The sandy beach makes a fantastic playground for beach volley or other activities. Being surrounded by remarkable landscapes, rocks, and small islands cut in the sea, Tahunanui Beach is a great place to spend the entire day.

 Frequently Asked Questions about the Wairau Valley wine region