The Good Way Wines
Martinborough
Facts.
First Vintage: 2019
Scale: 4 hectares
Range: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Rosé
Did you know… They were formerly known as Stad_ko Wines!
About
The Wairarapa is home to a thriving community of boutique wine producers, and The Good Way Wines (formerly Stad_ko Wines) is a standout young family-run producer based in Martinborough.
Originally founded in 2019 as Stad_ko Wines, The Good Way was created by Anton Stadniczenko and his partner Hayley Bartholomaeus as a family project. The name Stad_ko was a shortened version of the family surname, while The Good Way takes its meaning from Arapai, the Te Reo Maori name for their vineyard, translating to “good way” and referencing historic routes through the land to the coast.
Their Arapai Vineyard is a small four hectare property located just south of the Martinborough township, on land that was once New Zealand’s first sheep station. Three hectares are planted in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with most vines now over 25 years old. The free draining alluvial soils of loam, pebbles and rock provide an ideal foundation for structured, expressive wines.
Anton has worked as a viticulturist since 2008 after studying at Lincoln University, including several years in Australia with Penfolds. He is now the Martinborough Vineyard Manager for Craggy Range, while tending Arapai Vineyard outside of his day role. Hayley grew up in the Barossa Valley on the Chateau Yaldara Estate and also spent six years working with Penfolds before retraining in nursing and relocating to New Zealand in 2018.
Vineyard operations are managed hands-on by Anton, with help from friends and family. Fruit is picked in stages across different clones and blocks to capture optimum ripeness and flavour. Winemaking follows a minimal intervention philosophy, with uninoculated ferments, minimal sulphur added at bottling, and all wines certified vegan. Hayley hand labels every bottle and prepares each order for delivery.
Today, Anton and Hayley live in Martinborough with their two daughters, Mackenzie and Quinn. Their wines are made to be shared, reflecting a deep respect for the land, the vineyard, and the simple joy of gathering family and friends around the table.
