Martinborough Vineyard established the Wairarapa's reputation for the production of high quality Pinot Noir wine. In 1978 Government scientists determined that the Martinborough region shared important characteristics with Burgundy. This resulted in the establishment of Martinborough Vineyard by one of those scientists, Dr Derek Milne, together with a group of 5 other enthusiasts. The winery won the trophy for champion Pinot Noir at the each of the 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990 Air New Zealand Wine Awards (and then stopped competing nationally). With its 1994 vintage Pinot Noir it put New Zealand Pinot on the international stage by winning the trophy for best Pinot Noir in the world at the International Wine Challenge in London. Martinborough Vineyard also makes very good Chardonnay, Riesling, Botrytis Riesling and Pinot Gris wines. Martinborough Winery welcomes visitors for tastings in an impressive wine tasting room surrounded by a cottage garden where visitors can linger or picnic with a glass of Martinborough wine.