Ata Rangi
In Te Reo Māori, Ata Rangi means “dawn sky” or “new beginning,” a name that honours the land and reflects the winery's dedication to its craft. This small, family-owned organic winery in Martinborough, Aotearoa-New Zealand, focuses on creating wines that embody the essence of their place. Founded by Clive Paton in 1980, Ata Rangi has grown from its humble beginnings on a stony sheep paddock. Clive’s sister Alison and his partner Phyll Pattie soon joined him, and today, Alison oversees operations while Helen Masters crafts the wines, supported by vineyard manager Ian Ewart.
Ata Rangi's winemaking philosophy is hands-off and traditional, emphasising the natural expression of their terroir. They aim for balance, using whole bunch fermentation and barrel ageing to enhance vineyard characteristics. Each vintage uniquely reflects its growing conditions, with cooler years bringing herbal notes and warmer seasons offering fuller fruit aromas. Their minimalist approach avoids cultured yeast, enzymes, and fining products, ensuring authentic wines with depth, texture, and ageing potential.