Palliser Estate
Martinborough’s fertile and free-draining soil was created over the course of 20,000 years, as the Ruamahanga River and its contributing rivers exposed stony sub-soils, built up layers of alluvial river terraces and cast its silty river loam across the landscape.
The region’s proximity to the coast both to the east and south gives it a semi-maritime, moderate climate. It is one of the driest places in the North Island, with rain mostly limited to winter and spring. Long hot summers help the vines flourish. Autumn is reliably warm and lingering allowing the grapes to fully ripen.
All these conditions make the area perfect for producing a wide range of varietals. Martinborough is especially known for its Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. At Palliser Estate, they also produce award-winning Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.
To continue to produce these great wines, Palliser knows that the soil must remain fertile with minimum harm to the environment. As a result Palliser Estate has developed a sustainable approach to their land. They closely monitor and minimise all the impacts their business has on the environment – from the sprays they apply in the vineyard to all the packaging materials used.