The Side Hustle Six Pack

A curated six-pack of Martinborough wines from two winemakers who, in their day jobs, work for high-quality, premium producers.

Kia ora everyone,

As a winemaker working in a wine shop, the benefits are many — fascinating people, great conversations, and the occasional lightbulb moment.

One such moment came while explaining to a customer the professional journey of a particular winemaker: the prestigious day job, and the tiny, passion-driven label on the side. I thought, surely others would find this as compelling as I do?

The Merchant Queen agreed. And so we present a fascinating and genuinely original six-bottle case showcasing the talents of two outstanding Martinborough winemakers. In the modern vernacular: The Side Hustle Six Pack — yes, we have street cred.

These side-hustle wines are where creative freedom flows unchecked. The producers who allow this kind of endeavour deserve acknowledgement — they're essentially funding risk-free R&D with remarkable results.

The First Duo: Field Wines

Behind the tiny-production Field Wines label are Vanessa Paton — a scion of the legendary Ata Rangi vineyard — and her partner John Kavanagh, who steers the ship at Te Kairanga Winery. Between them, they bring serious pedigree to every bottle.

2024 Te Kairanga Pinot Noir Bold and fruit-driven, this is Martinborough Pinot at its most confident — supple tannins, radiant fruit, and beautifully integrated oak. 🏆 Trophy & Gold Medal — Champion Pinot Noir, National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand 2025 ⭐ 5 Stars & 93 Points — Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

2025 Te Kairanga Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough dominates New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc — so beating them at their own game is no small feat. This wine claimed a Trophy, Double Gold, and a Gold Medal in two of the country's most competitive shows. A textbook example of why the world can't get enough of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. 🏆 Trophy & Double Gold — New Zealand International Wine Show 2025 🥇 Gold Medal — National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand 2025 ⭐ 5 Stars & 93 Points — Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

2024 Field Pinot Noir Expressive and stylish, this Abel clone Pinot Noir from Vanessa and John speaks with real vineyard purity and idiosyncratic charm. Decant now, or cellar for a few more winters — it'll reward your patience either way.

The Second Trio: Paul Mason

The quietly wry Paul Mason has transitioned from a long and distinguished tenure at Martinborough Vineyards into the welcoming hands of Jay Short and Peggy Dupree at Nga Waka — who also graciously ushered the great Roger Parkinson into a well-earned retirement. Mason has crafted three very fine Pinot Noirs for this pack: two from the Nga Waka stable, and one from his own clandestinely named side project.

2024 Nga Waka 3 Paddles Pinot Noir The more widely available of Nga Waka's Pinot Noirs, and a perfect introduction to both Mason's craft and the Nga Waka house style. Expressive fruit, restrained tannins, and impressive length — all at a price that makes it an easy yes. ⭐ 4.5 Stars & "Best Buy" — Cuisine Magazine 🥇 Gold Medal — NZ International Wine Show ⭐ 5 Stars — Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

2024 Nga Waka Lease Block Pinot Noir The 2024 vintage was textbook from start to finish — clean fruit, perfect ripeness, and picking decisions made purely on merit. It gave winemakers the rare freedom to push boundaries in the cellar. Mason made the most of it.

This was the only New Zealand Pinot Noir to receive a Gold Medal and 96 points at the competition, and swept four major titles: 🏆 International Pinot Noir Trophy — Best in the world, including Burgundy 🏆 New Zealand Pinot Noir Trophy 🏆 New Zealand Red Trophy 🏆 Martinborough Pinot Noir Trophy ⭐ 5 Stars — Cuisine Magazine Awards

2024 Mason Hidden Vineyard Pinot Noir (Yes, "Hidden Vineyard" is its actual name.)

Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, writes: scents of dark plum, dark red strawberry, baking spices, and a soft smoky complexity frame what is an earthy, youthful, and beautifully poised wine. Taut on the palate, it needs time — but those who wait will be richly rewarded. Best from 2028 through 2034+. 94 Points, Excellent — Cameron Douglas MS

Six wines. Two winemakers. One exceptional six-pack.