Gisborne

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Gisborne is the first place in the world to see the sunrise. Tucked away on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, it's home to legendary, sun-soaked beaches and a boutique wine trail only nine miles long.

Rich in history, the area has played a crucial role in the story of Aotearoa’s origins, as well as New Zealand’s emergence as an important wine producer. The region revels in a classic Pacific maritime climate. Sheltered by hills and mountain ranges to the North and Northwest, Gisborne’s warm dry climate is cooled by the nearby ocean, with afternoon sea breezes, typical of many of the world’s great wine growing regions. Fine clay and silt loam soils create full-flavored aromatic wines with a dash of sea spray, thanks to the nearby ocean.

Relaxation here is guaranteed as you meander between vineyards and cellar doors, lapping up the good vibes and the best Gewürztraminer you will ever experience. The mix of high sunshine, rich landscapes, fascinating history and an exciting range of wine styles makes Gisborne a must-visit wine destination.

The Wine

  • Chardonnay is the dominant variety here, renown for being highly aromatic, with rich, lush palates that burst with fruit. 
  • Gisborne Gewürztraminer is a distinct marker of the region with its distinctly aromatic and spicy characters.
  • Pinot Gris is prominent in the region and styles vary in sweetness and fruit intensity, with strong melon and spice aromatics and a rich mouth feel.
  • Gisborne delivers tropical, ripe, bold styles of Sauvignon Blanc. Early-picked styles can be lighter, herbaceous and zesty.
  • Merlot can be challenging in the region's climate but drier years produce fleshy, flavoursome reds.
  • Other heavier red varieties such as Malbec enjoy success in carefully chosen sites.

Visiting Gisborne

Gisborne is famous for its beautiful beaches and surf breaks. It's the perfect destination for diving and swimming and all outdoor activities.

Beautiful weather, fabulous wines and great company always make the Gisborne Wine and Food festival a winner. There’s an energy here that’s hard to describe but easy to feel when you breathe the air on the coast, dig your toes into the sand and soil. It’s something that will live with you forever!