Martinborough · New Zealand
Méthode traditionnelle, bottled only for friends.
A limited-release Blanc de Blancs from one of Martinborough's oldest estates, grown on the ancient riverbeds of the Huangarua. Our first vintages are ageing quietly on lees.
The Estate
Sparkling, dancing waters
According to respected local elders, the name Omarere carries the idea of sparkling, dancing waters. It speaks to where we are: on the ancient riverbeds of the Martinborough plateau, at the edge of the great Huangarua River. We try to reflect that in every glass.
The vineyard surrounds the historic Omarere Homestead, once part of the farm of Martinborough's founding Martin family, and some of the most established gardens in the region. The estate is private, but members may arrange a private viewing.
Less than a kilometre and a half from Martinborough village, as the tūī flies.
The Vineyard
Martinborough's Golden Mile
Omarere sits in a wide river valley between the Remutaka Range and the eastern Wairarapa hills. Plenty of sunshine, moderate rainfall, warm summers, cool dry autumns and cold winters make it an ideal place to grow the classic Champagne varieties.
The vineyard is planted mostly to Chardonnay, with small parcels of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, in the same deep alluvial gravels shared by our neighbours Margrain and Ata Rangi.
Chardonnay
Mostly Chardonnay, with small parcels of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Alluvial gravels
Free-draining river terraces beside the Huangarua.
Certified sustainable
Farmed with care for the land and its future.
Omarere Blanc de Blancs
Finesse, patiently made
We use only the cuvée, the first and finest juice from our Chardonnay. It is fermented and aged in well-seasoned oak, goes through malolactic fermentation for complexity, then rests in bottle on lees for at least five years.
Winemaker Strat Canning, who has spent decades in Martinborough's top vineyards, oversees every blend. Each release is hand-labelled and hand-numbered in silver.
- Bottles per vintage
- 1,500
- Ageing on lees
- 5+ years
- Estate Chardonnay
- 100%
- Ideal serving temperature
- 8–10°C
Tasting note
White flowers and lime blossom, a chalky minerality from the old riverbed, fresh citrus and yellow fruit. Light, airy and precise.
The traditional method
- Hand harvest
- Gentle pressing
- First fermentation
- Blending
- Tirage
- Lees ageing
- Riddling
- Disgorgement
The Omarere Estate Members Club
Be first to the first vintage
Omarere Estate wines are released to members only, in very small numbers. Join the waiting list and we'll tell you the moment our first vintages are ready.
- First access and priority ordering of each release
- Member-only offers through the year
- News of events, tastings and new releases
- Private viewings of the estate and gardens, by arrangement
Thank you.
You're on the Members Club waiting list. We'll write to you as soon as the first Omarere Estate vintages are released.