Palliser Estate

An hour northeast of Wellington, you'll find a place where great wine, bold tastes and warm hospitality combine. Palliser Estate, on the outskirts of wine village Martinborough, is known for its pinot noir and chardonnay varietals. Enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere when you visit the cellar door or sample quality seasonal food at Kitchen by Norka. Whether you're a wine lover, foodie or just after a scenic escape, this is a beautiful spot to visit in the Wairarapa region.

Along with the award-winning pinot noir and chardonnay, Palliser produces some excellent sparkling and aromatic wines. They are earthy and elegant — a true reflection of the land they come from. That land encompasses six vineyards on the famed Martinborough Terrace. Four of these are certified organic. Winemaker and viticulturist Guy McMaster sums up the Palliser process. “Winemaking is complex. It's part-art, part-science. When you focus on growing the best quality fruit, that speaks for itself in the glass”. 

Of course, it’s not just about the wine. At the Palliser Kitchen by Norka, Chef Norka Mella Munoz serves a fresh, seasonal lunch menu seven days a week. Norka describes herself as a “Chiwi”. She is half Chilean, half Kiwi, and her cooking reflects that joyful blend. “They let me be me,” she says. “I bring my Chilean roots, but keep it relaxed and local.” Her dishes are designed to pair with Palliser’s wines. The restaurant has a zero-waste cooking ethos and uses produce from the kitchen garden as well as local artisan suppliers.

A visit to Palliser Estate is about connection. It endeavours to connect people with the land. It doesn't matter if it’s a midweek catch-up looking out over the terraces, a glass by the fire pit, or a long lazy weekend meal — the experience will keep you grounded.