The Best Wineries & Restaurants in Martinborough
Martinborough is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, known for its world-class Pinot Noir and relaxed, village-style charm. Just over an hour from the city of Wellington, it has become a favourite destination for food and wine lovers seeking a more immersive dining experience.
What makes Martinborough unique is the seamless connection between vineyard and table. Many wineries feature on-site restaurants where menus are designed to complement the estate-grown wines, creating a true paddock-to-plate experience. Seasonal produce, local ingredients and thoughtful pairings define the region’s culinary style.
Dining here is unhurried and immersive. Long lunches stretch into the afternoon, cellar door tastings lead naturally into multi-course meals, and outdoor seating allows guests to soak up vineyard views while they dine.
The variety is equally appealing, with everything from casual platters and woodfired fare to refined tasting menus showcasing contemporary New Zealand cuisine.
Martinborough’s intimate scale makes it easy to explore multiple venues in a single visit, adding to its appeal as a weekend escape.
Where to find the Best Wineries & Restaurants in Martinborough?
To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve rounded up the best wineries and restaurants in Martinborough where exceptional wine and memorable dining experiences go hand in hand.
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Read moreMartinborough is the home of Tirohana Estate Restaurant, around 45 minutes from Wellington. Surrounded by vines, the restaurant offers fine dining indoors, or casual dining outdoors on the Tirohana Terraces overlooking the vines. Although there are Mexican and Indian iunfluences, the produce is soured locally and meals can be perfectly matched to a glass of Tirohana Estate award winning wine.
Lunch and dinner daily
Photography: Courtesy of Tirohana Estate Restaurant
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Read moreKarahui Wine Bar & Restaurant blends relaxed dining with a strong focus on local wine and seasonal produce. The menu is modern and shareable, designed to pair effortlessly with regional wines. Expect fresh ingredients, bold flavours and a casual yet refined approach. Situated in the old BNZ Bank, the atmosphere is welcoming and social, making it a great spot for long lunches or evening drinks with friends or family. Karahui Wine Bar & Restaurant delivers a balanced dining experience that celebrates both food and wine.
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Read moreNara Martinborough feels made for long, wine-soaked lunches, pairing a relaxed cellar-door setting with polished plates that let the region's produce do the talking. Expect a menu that leans fresh and seasonal, with considered flavours, easy elegance and a setting that encourages lingering just a little longer than planned. Expect plates that show off the region without shouting about it, plus a setting that invites another glass, another bite and maybe a small delay to your plans.
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Read moreExperience the charm of Moy Hall Wines in Martinborough, where wine, food, family, and friends come together. Their cellar door offers wine tastings and a relaxed lunch experience, available seven days a week during the summer season. With a menu crafted seasonally by talented chefs using locally-sourced produce, each dish is thoughtfully paired with their homegrown wines. Delight in shared lunch plates, delectable desserts, and artisanal cheeses, all while enjoying the picturesque vineyard surroundings.
Photography: Courtesy of Moy Hall Wines
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Read morePoppies Martinborough, led by Poppy and Shayne Hammond, pioneers a tradition-bound approach to winemaking, valuing the enduring essence over passing trends. Beyond a mere wine tasting, Poppies offers an immersive experience in the environment where their wines are crafted. In their view, wine reaches its pinnacle when paired with food and conversation. Embracing this philosophy, Poppies presents a seasonal vineyard platter - a delightful fusion of fresh flavours. While not a traditional restaurant, Poppies Martinborough is a must-visit spot for those who appreciate the inseparable connection of wine, food, and conversation.
Photography: Courtesy of Poppies Martinborough
Enjoy food and the outdoors?Explore our guide to the top outdoor dining spots in Wellington and get ready to soak up that fresh NZ air.
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Read moreThe Runholder offers a contemporary take on country dining, showcasing local ingredients through bold, flavour-driven dishes. The menu highlights seasonal produce, generous portions, with a focus on charcoal-grilled seafood and prime cuts. All dishes are designed to perfectly compliment their wine and gin. Expect a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to settle in and enjoy the experience. Situated amongst the vineyard, the space feels modern yet grounded, reflecting its regional setting. The Runholder delivers a satisfying dining experience that balances comfort with a more refined approach.
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Read moreColombo brings Italian-inspired dining to Martinborough with a focus on fresh ingredients and simple, flavour-driven cooking. Located in a stunning vineyard, the menu features classic wood-fired pizzas, perfectly complimenting their small batch wines. Expect familiar flavour combinations executed with care, alongside a welcoming, easygoing atmosphere. The space suits both casual meals for those popping in for a wine flight, and larger group gatherings. Colombo offers a reliable and approachable dining experience that adds a touch of Italian charm to the wine region.
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Read morePalliser Kitchen at Palliser Estate is in Martinborough in the North Island wine growing region of Waipara, around 1 hours drive from Wellington. Palliser Kitchen serves gourmet platters and small plates of reasonably priced delights which go down a treat with a Palliser Pinot, Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for which the region is famous. Sit in the restaurant, or the garden and enjoy!
Cellar door open daily and restaurant is open Thursday-MondayPhotography: Courtesy of Palliser Kitchen
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Read moreMesita Wine Bar offers a cozy and intimate setting perfect for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike. With its candlelit ambiance and secluded corner location, Mesita is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The ever-changing menu features a delightful array of small and larger plates designed for sharing, complemented by a curated selection of local and international wines. Be sure to make a reservation to secure your spot, as this popular spot fills up quickly.
Photography: Courtesy of Mesita Wine Bar
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Read moreLuna Estate Cellardoor and Restaurant brings a sense of occasion to Martinborough, with vineyard views, relaxed sophistication and a menu designed to match the region's pinot noir personality. Set among the vines, it pairs scenic views with relaxed, grown-up dining and a menu that plays nicely with a glass of your favourite drop. It’s polished without being precious, making it ideal for a lazy tasting that somehow turns into a full-blown afternoon affair.
