Ata Rangi, which means “dawn sky” or “new beginning” in Māori, was founded in 1980 by Clive Paton: a former dairy farmer with a passion for viticulture, he was one of a handful of pioneering winegrowers in the area who had the faith to plant the bare and stony ground with vines. Clive’s dream was to create world-class Pinot Noir; and today, Ata Rangi is renowned globally, with their Pinot Noir often hailed as one of the best in New Zealand.
The vineyard’s success can be attributed to a combination of its unique terroir and the dedication of its team. The local Martinborough climate enjoys hot summers, cool nights, and well-drained, gravelly soils, and creates the perfect conditions for growing Pinot Noir.
Ata Rangi is a certified organic vineyard, and they practice regenerative farming, which not only maintains the vineyard’s health but also enhances biodiversity. This dedication to the environment is evident in every bottle of Ata Rangi wine, reflecting a deep respect for nature and the land.
Ata Rangi remains a family affair, with Clive’s sister Alison, and his wife Phyll playing pivotal roles in the winery’s operations. Their passion, combined with a talented team of winemakers, ensures that Ata Rangi continues to produce wines of exceptional quality and elegance.
Ata Rangi is a taste of New Zealand’s finest, where every sip tells a story of dedication, pioneering passion, and the beauty of Martinborough.
From the Handpicked Wine Cellars:
You’ve got to try the Ata Rangi Pinot Noir – and we have just the bottle for you: Crimson is wonderfully red-fruited and aromatic.
Ata Rangi also produces excellent Sauvignon Blanc, and we recommend the Te Wa. Grapes for this wine are carefully hand-harvested from older, low-yielding vines, adding both depth and complexity to nose and palate.
