ATA RANGI

Ata Rangi Pinot Noir is now considered a leading New World example of this challenging variety. Clive, who had farmed in the area, knew the land well. He chose mainly red varieties - Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah - and set out in pursuit of world class wines.

Pinot Noir's potential shone from the start - the early wines widely appreciated for their texture and for their pure fruit expression of the variety. The early days were tough with no income, no trees or shelter belts (the Wairarapa is renowned for its relentless, drying nor-westers) and little experience.

The first winemakers persevered, sharing knowledge and ideas. Clive grew pumpkins and garlic between the rows, carting them to the markets in Wellington. His faith in the area paid off. In 1995, and again in 1996 and 2001, Ata Rangi Pinot Noirs won the coveted Bouchard-Finlayson Trophy for Best Pinot Noir at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London. This international recognition came after a decade of gold medal and trophy successes in Australasian wine competitions.

Helen is a gifted, ‘spirited’ winemaker. As well as crafting gorgeous wines, she keeps a close eye on the vineyards, stays on top of complex technical issues, drives our ISO14001 environmental management system and increasingly is the face of Ata Rangi in a number of our leading export markets. Creative, intelligent and fun, she also has extraordinary stamina and tenacity, quipping "I'm the youngest of 12, so I quickly honed quite a few survival skills!" Following a gap year here, she graduated in '95 with a Massey Uni B.Food Tech (Hons). Several years of back to back vintages in USA and NZ followed before she was appointed head winemaker in 2003. Helen is married to Ben Masters, a successful artist/interior architect whose fledgling company "PAPER HANDS" is a New Zealand first, designing and hand-screening unique wallpapers and fabric. His limited-edition range was rated No 1 in the "BEST of 2010: WALLPAPER" in Urbis Magazine. Ben's designs, some featuring New Zealand inspired themes, can be produced in any combination of colours to stunning effect. Ben and Helen's adorable youngsters, Stella and Harvey, are both entertaining extensions of the wider Ata Rangi family.