A$50 tasteof Martinborough
Thismonth’sfamousmartinboroughfairmayhavebeen postponedforamonth, butthere is stillplenty todoon abudgetwhenthetown’spopulation doesn’t swellby25,000, writesamwilsonandoliviawannan.
Most visitors to Martinborough like to splash the cash at the wineries and upmarket boutiques dotted around the Wairarapa town. But contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be made of money to get a taste of this charming place.
Here’s an itinerary for day trippers on a tight budget who want to experience Martinborough’s varied delights without paying through the nose.
10.15am:
Start the day by getting some fuel in your system at Cafe Medici, amartinborough institution on the town’s main drag. You can pick up a hearty cheese or date scone for $4.50. Just make sure you get in quick, they tend to sell out fast, particularly on weekends.
A great spot to sit and people-watch while you map out your itinerary for the day ahead.
Cafe Medici, 9 Kitchener St, Martinborough. cafemedici.co.nz
11am
On limited funds, you will need to choose your wine wisely. Poppies Martinborough (named after owner Poppy Hammond) is the pick of the crop.
The estate produces a range of locally crafted wines from an Instagram-worthy rose to a standout pinot noir, but with a tasting you can savour a selection.
You will know you’re at the right place when you spot the red racing car out front.
The cellar door is part of awider restaurant that serves fresh platters and a delicious chilli chocolate tart, but on this budget, you’ll need to save these pleasures for another day.
You can, however, wander out to admire the vines and views surrounding the rustic venue.
Poppies Martinborough, 91 Pu¯ruatanga Rd, Martinborough. poppiesmartinborough.co.nz
12.15pm History lesson at Martinborough Colonialmuseum, free
It’s a 20-minute walk from Poppies to the main square, where you’ll find the petite Martinborough Colonial Museum. After serving as the town’s library for 80 years, this 19th-century building has been converted to showcase the area’s colonial past.
It’s free to enter, so pop in to learn about Martinborough’s history through photographs and artefacts telling local stories. Most exhibits are hands-off, but there’s a special section where children (and the young at heart) can play with an old gramophone, typewriter and phone party line.
The volunteer-runmuseum is only open on weekends, from 11.30am-3.30pm on Saturday, and 11.30am-1.30pm on Sundays.
Martinborough Colonialmuseum, 5 Memorial Square, Martinborough. martinboroughmuseu.wixsite.com/museum
1pm
On the north side of the main square, this popular haunt has been serving up coffees, slices, sandwiches, and icecreams to locals and visitors since 2015.
Here you’ll find one of the area’s best-value lunches – from the cabinet, of course. Pick up a tasty pie, quiche or toastie (all $8), and a cup of coffee.
The cafe batch-roasts its own ethically sourced and organic beans, so even caffeine snobs will be satisfied.
Neighbourhood Coffee House, 4Memorial Square, Martinborough. intheneighbourhood.co.nz
1.30pm Local beer paddle at Martinborough Brewery, $10 for two people
It takes some guts to open up a brewery in the middle of a town famous for its vines. But that’s what Hayden Fox and Stephen Frew decided to do in 2015, and their gamble paid off.
This small boutique brewery is typically humming on the weekends. If it’s your first visit, why not start with the $10 tasting paddle? Of all the tastings in town, it offers the most bang for your buck. Plus, this way, you can sample four of the seven brews on tap. The Vintage Gold golden ale and the English-style Red Cider will hit the spot on a hot day.