Poppies Martinborough

After more than ten years in the Martinborough wine industry, husband and wife team Poppy and Shayne Hammond opened the doors to Poppies Martinborough in 2012. Their goal was to make hand-crafted wines they loved, and share them with others in a simple yet beautiful setting. In a time of fast-moving trends, Poppies stands out by staying true to tradition and simplicity. They take winemaking seriously.

Martinborough is known for its boutique wineries and as a place where community runs deep. It’s this environment that shaped Poppies. Strong customer support led to natural growth. Ongoing demand for the product had them scrambling to keep up. Throughout the years they have kept their hands-on approach to making wine.

At the restaurant, wine is always the focus. Poppy and Shayne want your experience to be special and, above all, calm. Guests can slow down, have a glass of wine, and enjoy reconnecting over a seasonal lunch platter. The platters are hugely popular, and are the perfect meal to graze on while you sip — even better when you're sitting alfresco under the Wairarapa sun. Breads, meats, cheeses, dips, crudités and more allow you to sample a bit of everything.

Shayne, General Manager and Viticulturist, looks after the vines while Poppy makes the wines. “The intention of Poppies Martinborough is to create beautiful, handcrafted wines that clearly express the character, varietal flavours, and purity of the land and the hands of those who make them,” says Shayne. “Our priority will always be the quality of our wines.” Their rosé and pinot gris are local favourites, and a great memento to take home with you.

If you’re passing through, expect a warm welcome and a chance to enjoy all Poppies offers. You don’t need to book for a tasting, unless you’re with a large group. But bookings are recommended if you’re planning to stay for lunch.