Wairarapa wine trail maturing

Wairarapa's reputation as a mushrooming wine area is evident in the industry's latest wine trail map.

The most recent edition of the map, just published, shows the growth not only of Martinborough but also further north to East Taratahi and Dakins Road in Gladstone and up to Opaki. (See link at foot of page for map.)

In all, 56 vineyards are dotted around the region, up 24 from the last map printed in 2003.

There are 38 vineyards in the Martinborough area, but substantial growth is evident north of there. In all 18 vineyards now exist north of the Waiohine River -- six alone on Gladstone's Dakins Road, and seven north of Masterton.

Back in Martinborough, Te Muna Road has been the big mover with four new vineyards.

For several vineyards 2005 will be their first vintage with their own label.

- nzpa