Legend has it that the hills were formed by three canoes of the famed Polynesian explorer Kupe, which were carried inland by a huge earthquake and came to rest in the valley behind Martinborough. Nga Waka A Kupe (The Canoes of Kupe) is where the name came from.
Nga Waka was established in 1988, one of the early pioneer wineries in Martinborough. In 2015, experience growers Jay Short and Peggy Dupeg bought the winery, the pair own vineyards in Northern California , Adelaide Hills and a coffee plantation in Hawaii. The vineyard area has grown from 10 to 20 hectares since.
They have seven small vineyards scattered around the village of Martinborough, mainly producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; also small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Riesling.
The success of Nga Waka lies in their very experienced long-term staff, Roger Parkinson, the winemaker has made every wine since the first vintage in 1993. Vineyard Manager, Mike Kershaw has tended the vines since 1996. The consistency and depth of local knowledge enable them to produce consistent and elegant style of wine year after year.
I recently tasted the below range, the consistency across the range is evidence. Textural, elegant with restrained fruit, and the ability to age.
