About Palliser Estate
Palliser Estate has made wine on the Martinborough Terrace for more than 30 years. The focus is Pinot Noir, Chardonnay (still and sparkling) and Syrah, and its single-vineyard Hua Nui 2024 has drawn international attention. Part of the vineyard is certified organic and the rest is moving that way.
The cellar door is open seven days, 11am to 4pm in the 2026 autumn and winter period. The Classic Wine Tasting (NZ$20, about 40 minutes) pours five wines on the hour from 11am, comes with a Pinot Noir truffle, and NZ$15 of the fee comes off any bottles you take home; booking is recommended, though walk-ins are sometimes possible. For more depth, the Elevated Wine Tasting and Tour (NZ$85, daily at 10am, about 90 minutes, two-person minimum) walks the vineyard, includes a barrel tasting and finishes with six wines in the tasting room and underground cellar; book at least 48 hours ahead. Self-guided flights run NZ$28–40, and NZ$5 from each goes to an air ambulance charity.
The Palliser Kitchen serves a seasonal menu built on local produce every day, led by executive chef Norka Mella Muñoz and awarded one Cuisine hat. Booking is recommended, especially on weekends. There's a sunny outdoor area, and groups of 10 or more can ask to book the tasting room. Spring and summer events include Toast Martinborough.
Ranui Essentials Lavender Farm is about 7 miles away, so a morning lavender visit and lunch at Palliser make a full Wairarapa day.
What to do
- Book the Classic Wine Tasting of five wines, NZ$20 (2026)
- Join the 10am Elevated Tasting and Tour through the vineyard and underground cellar
- Try a self-guided Aromatic, Barrel or Premium flight
- Book lunch at the Palliser Kitchen
- Look for spring and summer events such as Toast Martinborough
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Cellar door open seven days; 11am–4pm during autumn and winter (March–August)
- Hours
- 2026 autumn/winter: daily 11am–4pm
- Admission
- Classic tasting NZ$20; Elevated tasting and tour NZ$85; flights NZ$28–40 (2026)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Reservations
- Recommended
Tips for your visit
- Book the Elevated tour at least 48 hours ahead
- Wear practical shoes for the tour, and bring a warm jacket and umbrella in winter
- Weekend lunches fill up, so book the Kitchen ahead
- Plan a designated driver if you're touring several cellar doors
Pair it with a lavender farm
Ranui Essentials Lavender Farm · about 12 minutes away
Ranui Essentials Lavender Farm is about 7 miles away, a good morning stop before lunch at Palliser.
Getting there
Questions
How much is a tasting at Palliser?
The Classic Wine Tasting is NZ$20 per person (2026), with NZ$15 credited toward bottles you buy.
Is there food?
Yes, the Palliser Kitchen serves a seasonal menu daily; booking is recommended.
Do I need to book?
Booking is recommended for tastings and essential for the Elevated tour.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of the Wairarapa & Kāpiti Coast, New Zealand
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
