Wairau River Wines.

Established in 1978 by the Rose family, Wairau River Wines is one of Marlborough’s pioneering estate wineries. The draw here is the seamless connection between the estate-grown vineyards and the plate, with a relaxed restaurant designed entirely around lunchtime wine pairings. While famous for its crisp Sauvignon Blanc and elegant Pinot Noir, the winery also pours less common local varietals like Albariño and Grüner Veltliner. The dining experience adapts beautifully to the seasons, offering cozy indoor seating by a roaring open fire during the winter, and expansive, sun-drenched lawns and verandahs for alfresco dining in the warmer months. It is a highly authentic, family-run estate that encourages long, lazy lunches rather than a rushed tasting.