Setting
At Palliser you’ll find a leafy lawn, manicured rose gardens and warm smiles and invaluable knowledge from long-time cellar-door manager Jane Lenting. There’s a large selection of wines available for tasting, historic photos to view and an impressive underground cellar to explore. The Palliser team is also canine-crazy, so expect to see Waka and Max the Labradors and three fox terriers (Cello, Pipi and CC) gambolling about the property.

Things To Know
From embryonic beginnings back in 1984 with just a tiny patch of vines, Palliser Estate has evolved to become Martinborough’s largest winery, boasting vineyards across the district and one of the busiest cellar doors in the region. The winemaking team is led by talented twosome Allan Johnson and Pip Goodwin, and three tiers are produced, Palliser Estate, a second label called Pencarrow, and the exceptional-vintage-only Dog Series pinot noirs.

Our Picks
Palliser Estate Riesling is lime-laden, the Palliser Estate Pinot Noir and Palliser Estate Chardonnay are award-winners, but the Palliser Estate Methode Traditionnelle is an absolute must-taste.

Plus
Don’t be alarmed if you hear an explosion coming from the vineyard. Managing director Richard Riddiford owns a small ‘ceremonial’ cannon that scares the birds and clears the cobwebs.