Ata Rangi – Verity Wines

Phyll Pattie, Marketing Director of Ata Rangi, recalls how the property was a small, stony sheep paddock when founder Clive Paton bought it with a wad of cash from the sale of his herd of cows back in 1980. His farming mates thought he was mad; grapes were unheard of in that region. But Clive knew what he was in for. “I’d regularly skin my knees playing rugby there, so I knew exactly how stony the ground was.” He’d developed a passion for red wine but couldn’t afford ‘the good stuff,’ so in classic Kiwi-style, thought he’d have a go himself. Ali, Clive’s sister, shared his vision and soon bought 5 acres next door before heading off shore to study and work in the London wine trade.

Martinborough was pretty basic in those days – gravel roads, two pubs, a grocery/farm-supply store, service station and fish-n-chip shop. Clive’s resolve was strengthened by a 1978 scientific report which showed Martinborough had a microclimate similar to that of Burgundy. It also had the driest and windiest climate in the North Island, was fringed to the northeast by a 25-meter deep, free-draining alluvial gravel terrace, and was only an hour from the lively capital city of Wellington. The early days were tough. With no trees for shelter, young vines struggled against the howling northwesterly winds. Clive relied on the sale of pumpkins and garlic that he’d grown between the rows, and on family and friends who pitched in to help. He was also a solo Dad, raising young daughter Ness. Local farmer and mate of Clive’s John Stephen, put up cash to form an early partnership, keeping Ata Rangi afloat until the vines came into production. “Trust me,” Clive said back then. “Within ten years we’ll be able to walk into the village and choose which café we’d like to go to.”

More than three decades later – backed by a string of awards and accolades – Ata Rangi is well-established in 25 international markets and has an enviable reputation as one of the New World’s most respected Pinot Noir producers. And Clive was right… Martinborough has transformed from a rural backwater town to a laid-back charmingly rustic wine village with a cluster of cafes, restaurants, quirky boutiques and a day-spa; a popular destination for wine-and-food lovers from all over the world, and a great escape from bustling city life.