Poppies is the cellar door of a small Martinborough winery founded in 2012 by Poppy and Shayne Hammond, who, together with a small group of kindred spirits, set out to make wine their own way while staying true to the traditions of the old world. The tasting room opened that November on Puruatanga Road, a short distance from Martinborough village, and it soon became the only place to taste and buy the wines. Demand ran so far ahead of supply that most of the early releases sold out within months, and in 2016 the couple bought an established vineyard and built a winery of their own. That cellar door is still where the winery greets the public, a beautifully simple space inspired by the romance of another era.
The wines are made in small quantities and, apart from a little rosé and other wine allocated to a few chosen restaurants, are sold by the bottle only at the cellar door and through the winery’s online store. The range moves from aromatic whites such as pinot gris, gewürztraminer, viognier and a sauvignon semillon blend through chardonnay and a much admired rosé to reds led by pinot noir, among them a bottling called L’élu, with syrah and tempranillo alongside. Late harvest riesling offers something sweeter, and a traditional method sparkling wine has also been part of the range. The vineyards are farmed with a light touch, and the team favours biological and organic practice even though it is not certified.
Lunch is built around the vineyard platter, a generous spread for two that follows the seasons and the chef’s creativity. A platter might include crispy pork belly with kiwifruit jam, fragrant lamb shawarma with cooling tzatziki, sticky Japanese chicken and warm jalapeño cornbread drizzled with thyme honey, set among seasonal vegetables, artisan cheeses, dips and accompaniments made in the kitchen. Warm bread with whipped butter, a trio of cheeses and desserts round out the short menu, and the estate’s own wines come in a single glass or a whole bottle to accompany it. Dietary needs can be accommodated when they are noted at the time of booking, and the kitchen will make a celebration cake with some notice, since food brought from outside is not allowed.
Tastings are relaxed and personally guided by the team, and on some days Poppy herself talks visitors through the journey from vineyard to bottle. A tasting needs no reservation, but a platter lunch does, as the room is intimate and gets very busy. Guests can sit inside or outdoors looking over the vines, where dogs are welcome whenever the weather allows the outdoor tables to be used. Children are welcome too, although the kitchen offers no children’s menu and the room has no high chairs. Small private groups can be hosted, wine club members are invited to occasional gatherings such as a long winery lunch cooked over a charcoal grill, and anyone wanting to linger can book The Apartment, a private stay among the vines.
Address: 91 Puruatanga Road, Martinborough 5711, New Zealand
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