Setting
Don’t be put off by the shed-like appearance of this cellar door – the welcome you will receive inside is warm and friendly. The Dutch name is a spoiler for the European influence these wines have – although at the same time, they are incredible examples of terroir-driven Marlborough wines; full of fruit, texture and finesse.

Things To Know
Staete Landt counts as one of the older established and most accomplished boutique Marlborough wine companies. Owned and founded by husband and wife Ruud Maasdam and Dorien Vermaas, this vineyard in the heart of Rapaura’s “Golden Mile” is unique in its layout. Varieties are carefully spread in 24 different combinations across the soil profiles of the vineyard. Each of the 24 is treated as a single-vineyard parcel and riesling, sauvignon blanc, syrah, chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot gris and viognier are planted. Ruud makes all the Staete Landt wines (and also the Map Maker series) from the estate-grown fruit of this highly complex vineyard.

Our Picks
The Staete Landt Josephine Chardonnay (named after the couple’s middle daughter) is extremely textural and full bodied, while the Arie Syrah is impressive – and a surprise to see in Marlborough.