Fodor's Expert Review Wairau River Wines

Phil and Chris Rose were among the first grape growers in the region, starting in 1978. Now the second generation of family helps produce award-winning sauvignon blanc and other excellent varietals under their own Wairau Valley label. The winery building is made from mud bricks and has two log fires in winter; in summer, you can relax on the sun-drenched lawns. Local produce features in the lunch restaurant adjacent to the cellar door. It’s popular with the locals, so reservations are recommended.