Ata Rangi was founded in 1980 by Clive Paton, who planted the first vines on a small, stony sheep paddock on the outskirts of Martinborough. The name "Ata Rangi" is a Maori phrase meaning "dawn sky" or "new beginning," which reflects the winery's focus on working in harmony with the land and the changing seasons.

In the early years, Paton was joined by his sister Alison, who purchased an adjoining block, and Clive's partner Phyll Pattie, who brought her experience as a winemaker from Marlborough. Over the following decades, the Ata Rangi team has steadily grown their reputation as one of the world's premier producers of Pinot Noir.

Ata Rangi's first vintage was in 1982, and their Pinot Noir quickly gained acclaim for its exceptional balance, complexity, and ability to capture the distinct terroir of Martinborough. Today, the winery's flagship Pinot Noir is considered an iconic New Zealand wine, celebrated for its depth of flavor, fine-grained tannins, and seamless integration of fruit, oak, and acidity.

Beyond their renowned Pinot Noir, Ata Rangi also produces small quantities of other varietals that thrive in Martinborough's cool climate, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery's Célèbre blend, a Bordeaux-style red, is another standout, showcasing the team's mastery of blending.

Ata Rangi's commitment to sustainability and organic viticulture is also a point of pride. The winery's Bush Block initiative has seen the planting of over 75,000 native trees, and their entire estate has been certified organic since 2014.

Today, Alison Paton oversees the day-to-day operations, while renowned winemaker Helen Masters and vineyard manager Ian Ewart continue to build on Ata Rangi's legacy of excellence. As the winery celebrates its 40th anniversary, it remains at the forefront of New Zealand's wine industry, crafting wines that beautifully express the unique terroir of Martinborough.