Welcome to Tirohana Estate in Martinborough - one of the oldest vineyards planted by the second wave of great pioneers, Gary and Annete Voss.
Now privately owned and managed by the Raymond Thompson Family Trust, Tirohana Estate is a boutique vineyard located on the "golden mile" with unique soil properties nourished by the alluvial terraces of the dry riverbed in Martinborough on the North Island of New Zealand.
Raymond Thompson has always enjoyed New Zealand and the Wairarapa region as a refuge from his hectic activities in the global film and television industries and visits the area on occasion almost as a getaway. As do many visitors from the wine connossieur to new enthusiasts. Or even passing tourists looking for a different breakaway.
The Estate produces award-winning premium wines exclusively from homeblock Pinot Noir, Sauvignon, Riesling and Chardonnay grapes. Tirohana Estate has received many international accolades and enjoys the unique distinction of winning the prestigious Romeo Bragato award for Championship Pinot Noir NZ and Championship Reserve Wine NZ, as well as several Championship trophies and medals, along with a Cuisine 5 star recommendation acknowledging Tirohana Estate Pinot Noir as being in the top ten Australasian wines.
All the heritage varieties are handcrafted and handmade following traditional methods in both the vineyard and the winery by a dedicated team of staff with no expense spared in the pursuit of excellence.
Tirohana Estate is a beautiful and much-photographed property and comprises an evocative onsite Cellar Door and ambient Tasting Room (which is open daily) as well as an elegant restaurant, Tirohana Cellars, which is open nightly for dinner and Friday - Sunday for lunch through the winter (or by arrangement) and daily in the spring and summer for both casual and fine dining.
Tastings and meals are also served in Tirohana Terraces, bordered by charming stone and flint walls with Venetian tiles and spectacular views across the estate.
If you can't bear to leave - then why not stay? Accommodation is available overlooking the picturesque vines and Martinborough hills beyond on the vineyard in the 5-star Qualmark rated Tirohana Colonial House. A stunning two-storey building and furnished to an elegant high standard - Tirohana Colonial House is nestled within the estate with a petanque court, barbeque, Wi-Fi Internet access, multi-channel Sky TV, full concierge and porterage on site service and a verandah surrounding the homestead with lots of space to sit back and relax. The property is wholly self-contained (with its own kitchen facilities) but can also be let out as a serviced facility (including access to our team of chefs who are pleased to arrange private dining).
As an alternative, many of our clients also enjoy our quaint and picturesque 1890s cottage as a getaway which is located a minute's walk from Martinborough village (Duckback Cottage) or our sister property Red Petal Cottage.
The Estate presents a range of special functions throughout the year and is an ideal venue for weddings, conferences, birthday or anniversary celebrations, conferences and corporate hospitality. The wonderful services and facilities on offer and evocative ambience for which Tirohana is renowned is best exemplified by Tirohana Estate being a regular favourite location for those within the entertainment film and sporting industries as well as the political arena and clients enjoy seeing many familiar faces during their visits.
But whatever your reason to visit - be it for wine tasting, brunch, a romantic dinner for two, special celebration or wedding - you can be sure that the visit will be a memorable and special experience.
