Te Kairanga Estate Pinot Noir 2022

Established in 1984, Te Kairanga holds a defining place in the story of Martinborough. The land itself traces back to the 1880s, when the town’s founder, John Martin, farmed the very site where the estate’s vineyards now stand. That sense of continuity remains central to the estate’s identity. While the soils carry history, the ambition has always been forward looking, shaped by a desire to realise the full potential of this remarkable stretch of the Martinborough Terrace.

Pinot Noir sits at the beating heart of Te Kairanga, drawing winemakers and drinkers alike to this dry, open valley beyond the Remutaka Ranges. Over time, small parcels of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Riesling have come to complement that core focus, each reflecting a different facet of Martinborough’s character. Once known primarily for sheep farming, the region captured the imagination of a new generation of growers intent on crafting wines of precision and place.

Chief Winemaker John Kavanagh arrived in Martinborough specifically to pursue his passion for Pinot Noir. A graduate of Lincoln University with a postgraduate diploma in Viticulture and Oenology, he leads a team defined by both technical expertise and individuality. Alongside Viticulturist and Vineyard Manager Dave Shepherd, whose focus lies in understanding seasonal variation from The Terrace to Ruatukopuna, and Assistant Winemaker Martin Bell, whose experience spans wineries across New Zealand, the estate combines practical skill with quiet curiosity. Together, they shape wines that are measured, expressive and grounded in Martinborough.