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Wellington
is the official name for the large region which occupies
the southern section of the North Island.
Wairarapa, on the lower eastern side
of the region, is Wellington's only wine district. Martinborough,
as well as being a town, is also the oldest and best
known wine area within the Wairarapa region.
Pinot Noir is the region's most planted
and certainly most acclaimed grape variety. The success
of Martinborough Pinot Noir has to a large extent driven
the rapid development of this very dynamic and quality-focused
region.
Climatically Wairarapa is more aligned
to Marlborough than to any of the North Island regions.
The success and style of its Sauvignon Blanc is evidence
of this alliance.
Officially New Zealand's sixth largest
region, Wellington is small in production terms but
makes a large contribution to the country's quality
winemaking reputation.
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