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Ata Rangi Ltd

Welcome

The Begining

ATA RANGI "new beginning" or "dawn sky" was a barren 5-hectare paddock when Clive Paton bought it in 1980. He was one of a handful of winemaking pioneers in Martinborough, then a forgotten rural settlement, who were attracted to the area by three key features - the localised, free-draining shingle terrace some 20 metres deep, the lowest rainfall records of anywhere in the North Island, and the proximity to the capital city of Wellington, just an hour away.

Clive, who'd farmed in the area, knew the land well. He chose mainly red varieties - Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah - and set out in pursuit of world class wines. Pinot Noir's potential shone from the start - the early wines widely appreciated for their texture and for their pure fruit expression of the variety. The early days were tough with no income, no trees or shelter belts (the Wairarapa is renowned for its relentless, drying nor-westers) and little experience.

The first winemakers persevered, sharing knowledge and ideas, as well as equipment and winery space. Clive grew pumpkins and garlic between the rows, carting them to the markets in Wellington.

His faith in the area paid off. In 1995, and again in 1996 and 2001, Ata Rangi Pinot Noirs won the coveted Bouchard-Finlayson Trophy for Best Pinot Noir at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London. This international recognition came after a decade of gold medal and trophy successes in Australasian wine competitions.

Ata Rangi expands...

Ata Rangi and the family team have gradually expanded since those humble beginnings. Clive's sister Alison, who'd been working in the wine trade in London, purchased 2 hectares adjoining the original block in 1982. A few years later, Clive was joined by Phyll Pattie, formerly a winemaker in Marlborough. Alison went on to marry talented winemaker Oliver Masters.

The family team, each with enviable credentials in their own right, formalised their working relationship in 1995 - as equal and exclusive shareholder/directors in Ata Rangi Limited. Clive and Olly look after both vineyards and winemaking, Phyll and Ali take care of marketing, sales and admin, although it's all-hands-on-deck at vintage time.

Ata Rangi has grown since the early days when the first wines were made and sold from the old shed behind the house. Almost 10,000 cases are produced from the 30 hectares of vineyards supplying fruit to the winery. The original team is well supported with fantastic staff and there is a stylish winery complex with purpose-built Pinot Noir fermenters, up to date equipment, a temperature controlled barrel room and a winery tasting room and shop which welcomes visitors over the summer months.

Today, Martinborough is thriving. The charming, leafy wine village - with its cluster of restaurants, cafes and interesting shops centred around a park-like Square - is a popular destination for wine and food-lovers or for those simply seeking a retreat from city life.