Our Holiday Wine Wish List.
As Christmas edges closer and the days stretch long and sun-soaked across the Wairarapa, we asked the Ata Rangi whānau what they’ll be opening, sharing, or stashing in their carry-ons this festive season. From cellar-raids and deckside rosé to Pinot Noir with family feasts and Riesling beside freshly caught fish, the team’s plans are as varied as the wines they craft. Consider this your peek into how the people behind Ata Rangi unwind, celebrate, and raise a glass at the end of another big year. Cheers to good company, good food, and even better bottles.
Helen — Winemaker
I’ll be drinking 2019 McCrone Pinot Noir. The time in bottle that wine has had in our cellar has allowed it to really shine. It has an enchanting blend of savoury umani characters balanced by vibrancy and precision.
The flavour profiles of meaty jus and cranberry really lend it to a Christmas feast!! It has it all. Trust me, I’ll earn points for pouring this one as we enjoy our family lunch. I’m sure an afternoon walk and naps will follow!
Julia – Cellar Door Superstar
The Crimson Pinot Noir 2024 will be tucked in my carry-on headed to Christchurch to share at my ‘Sibling Christmas’, which involves long dinners on the deck with everything bbq’d. (Might need to be two bottles, actually!)
Christmas for me is a time to raid the cellar and open some special wines, bottles of Kahu Botrytis Riesling wait patiently in the cellar for their moment to dazzle in the 4th week of December. Long lunches lead into dinner parties, puddings and closely monitored cheese plates accompanied by sticky dessert wine.
Ian - Viticulturist
I will be getting some Pōtiki Chardonnay in. It’s my wife, Mel’s favourite and covers all bases when it comes to pleasing all the people at our place.
For myself, it will either be the Craighall Riesling or the McCrone Pinot Noir to go with Christmas lunch.
The Riesling, in particular, manages to meet all expectations — from breakfast to dinner!
Jacob – Vit team
The Ata Rangi Pinot Noir. It was the first wine I got to try when I started here, and to me it remains my (and my wife’s) absolute favourite. So that wine is always top of the list for family occasions.
The other wine I really enjoy is the Ata Rangi Sauvignon Blanc — It’s summer in a glass and being a Martinborough version of the national grape, it offers something unique
Katie – Assistant Winemaker
I’ll be spending my holidays up in the Coromandel with family and friends. I’m usually the one bringing a few bottles for New Year’s, so I’ll be sure to take along some Kahu Riesling to pair with freshly caught fish (fingers crossed).
I’m also looking forward to sharing our recently released Juliet Syrah at this year’s Christmas table. With 24 of us seated, I’ll definitely bring a few bottles so everyone gets a taste before it disappears!
Ness – Cellar Door and Events Manager
I”m looking forward to a pretty lowkey Christmas this year, but I sure don’t want my wine to be low key!
The Ata Rangi Pinot Noir is a real showcase of our work, our place and us as people — what we like and enjoy.
It feels like the perfect wine for our family to share as we celebrate our 45th year as a wine-producing family.
If the Christmas fairy (a.k.a. Ali) doesn’t bring me a 2015 (hint hint), then I’ll happily drink the 2022 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir.
Fingers crossed that my Christmas wish does come true! (Hope you’re reading this Ali)
Eleanor – operations and logistics
Over the Christmas period I always have the Rosé Brut. Bubbles feels obligatory. I’ll have a bottle of our newly released Chenin Blanc tucked in the fridge too. It’s a delicious addition to the Ata Rangi portfolio and I’m really enjoying it. It will be nicely chilled, ready to be brought out and shared with friends.
I’ll have a tasty platter of snacks on hand ready to be enjoyed alongside both wines.
“Office Helen” - Admin guru
Nothing beats a nice cold glass of Rosé at lunchtime on a scorching hot Wairarapa day.
I’ll even share it with my close girlfriends — but probably not my university aged-daughter!
I might add the other Rosé to the line up too — sparkling and still. That ought to cover it.
Noi – Vit team
I’ll be enjoying the afternoon with friends and I like the idea of pouring the Rosé Brut for them. I know they’ll enjoy a glass of sparkling as we sit on the deck and chat. I’m sure I’ll finish off the day with the Juliet Syrah — it’s delicious and a great wine for Christmas evening.
Noi is third from right.
