Our Story

TĪTOKI VINEYARDS is a boutique, family-owned vineyard located just south of Martinborough in the Wairarapa wine region. Established in 2020, we grow Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc on our 4-hectare property, with a focus on producing quality wines that showcase the fruit we grow.

The property is planted with mature vines that are approximately 30 years old. Martinborough’s cool, dry climate and long growing season provide favourable conditions for growing Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, allowing us to produce flavourful fruit and well-balanced wines.

The name Tītoki Vineyards comes from the native Tītoki trees growing throughout the property. Their distinctive red berries provide an important food source for native birds, which are part of the natural environment we value and aim to support around the vineyard. The name reflects our connection to the land and our focus on working responsibly within the environment where our grapes are grown.

Our wines are produced in small batches, with a focus on quality, consistency and allowing the fruit to speak for itself. From our family to your table, we are proud to share them with you.

Growing Sustainably

At Tītoki, we take a low-intervention approach in both the vineyard and our winemaking. In the vineyard, we use a low-impact spray programme and favour hands-on work wherever possible rather than relying heavily on machinery.

With our wines, we aim to make only the necessary interventions. We keep our use of preservatives low and don't use animal-derived products for fining or clarification. For us, this means working with the vineyard and the fruit rather than trying to over-manage either, while still making considered decisions when intervention is needed.

Conservation

Conservation and sustainability are very important to how we run things here at Tītoki, especially our connection to New Zealand’s native species, as it’s how we founded our name! We are named after the Tītoki tree (Alectryon excelsus), which grows on our land and feeds hundreds of our native birds. We are currently planting more native trees to provide habitat and food sources for our native wildlife. We also have an ongoing pest control program led by our co-founder, Lisa. We currently trap possums, mustelids, and rats. Protecting the native vegetation and creating a healthier environment for wildlife is something we love to actively contribute to. This has led us to support Ngā Manus Nature Reserve in Waikanae, a wildlife reserve focused on protecting New Zealand’s native birds, wildlife and habitat.

FROM GRAPE TO GLASS

The Harvest

March - April

The magic starts with the harvest. From March to April, we were joined by friends and family to hand-pick our prized Pinot Noir for the first time. The hands-on experience of gathering the grapes together is something we’ll never forget — laughter, hard work, and the satisfaction of seeing the vineyard come to life.
Crafting Our Rosé & Sauvignon Blanc

This year marked our debut in crafting Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc, a true journey of discovery. Alongside our talented winemaker, James, we explored different blends to see which styles resonated most with us. Together, we experimented, tasted, and refined each blend until we found the perfect mix that truly reflected our vision.
Two Crafters, One Vision

Blending wines was truly an art form. With our founders Lisa and Craig having two distinct palates, we created a unique flavour split — from a dry, crisp Rosé to a fruit-forward Pinot and a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc with refreshing, zesty notes. Each blend is a reflection of our shared passion and a testament to the beautiful contrasts that make our wines one-of-a-kind.
From Vine to Wine

Our winemaking process is truly a labour of love. Each step, from handpicking our Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc grapes to thoughtfully crafting each blend, is guided by a desire to showcase the unique character of our vineyard.
The result is wine that’s as memorable as the moments shared with the people who help bring it to life. From grape to glass, we invite you to experience the heart and soul of Tītoki Vineyard in every sip.
From Tītokis Table to yours

Every bottle tells a story of our vineyard, the people behind it, and the care that goes into crafting each wine. From exploring different blends with our winemaker to discovering the styles we love most, every step has been part of our journey. Now, we’re delighted to share the fruits of that journey with you. Whether you're gathering around the table with family and friends or enjoying a quiet moment at home, we hope our wines bring a little piece of Tītoki to your table.