Cuisine Wine

Muirlea Rise

Setting
A rustic whitewashed timber shed at the end of the driveway is where you’ll find the tiny tasting space. Take a seat at the counter or lean against the old wooden wool press that doubles as a table while you listen to second-generation winemaker Shawn Brown talk you through the wines and the history of the vineyard (it’s been here since 1987).

Things To Know
Shawn took the winemaker reins following the death of his father, Willie Brown (or “Pop” as he was affectionately known). Shawn enjoys taking visitors on ‘vine to bottle’ tours around the vineyard and winery – large groups are welcome, just book beforehand.

Our Picks
While the pinot noir is a smooth, earthy star, try the dark, inky, blackcurrant-forward Mareth, a blend of cabernet, syrah and the infamous Martinborough ‘mystery grape’. Apres is a fortified red to warm you up on chilly autumn afternoons.

Plus
If you thought having upside-down wine labels was kooky, they also have the tiniest tasting glasses you’ll have ever seen – but they actually work really well. You also won’t find a screw cap here – it’s old-school corks all the way.