Gisborne

Gisborne is rich in history. This is where the Maori migratory waka Horouta first landed, and where Captain Cook made his first New Zealand landfall in 1769. The Māori name for the area is Tairāwhiti, ‘the coast upon which the sun shines across the water’.
Located on the most easterly tip of New Zealand’s North Island, the warm, dry climate, moderated by the nearby Pacific, also means it’s known as one of New Zealand’s ‘fruit bowls’, growing an abundance of produce, including grapes.

Chardonnay is the dominant variety and enjoys great success, though few regions in New Zealand compete with the sheer diversity of varieties produced in Gisborne. Aromatic whites such as Gewürztraminer, Viognier, and Pinot Gris, known for their vibrancy and floral intensity, whilst Merlot and Malbec are also emerging, offering soft, fruit-forward reds.

“The mix of high sunshine, verdant landscapes, fascinating history and the exciting range of wine styles makes Gisborne a beguiling wine destination.” New Zealand Winegrowers

Gisborne Sub-regions

The combination of high sunshine hours, cooling ocean breezes, and fertile soils allows for a wide range of wine styles across Gisborne’s four sub-regions.
The Central Valley, situated around Gisborne city, consists of deep alluvial soils and river terraces, making it one of the most productive areas. This sub-region is known for its aromatic whites which thrive due to the warm climate and excellent drainage.
The Ormond wine-producing area is north of the city, and is mostly made up of independent wineries and many of Gisborne’s original plantings. This area is also home to the renowned ‘Golden Slope’, a 10km gently-sloping, north-facing and free-draining escarpment with limestone-influenced topsoil, which produces some of Gisborne’s best Chardonnay.

Located inland and slightly elevated, Patutahi features warmer temperatures and clay-heavy soils, which create rich, structured wines with depth. About one third of the region’s vines are planted here. This area is home to full-bodied Chardonnay, aromatic whites, and emerging red varieties like Merlot and Malbec.

Closer to the coast, Manutuke enjoys moderating sea breezes, which help retain acidity and freshness in wines. The light sandy soils contribute to elegant, mineral-driven Chardonnay (the main variety grown here), and crisp, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc.

Chardonnay
Often called New Zealand’s Chardonnay capital, Gisborne produces ripe, full-bodied Chardonnay with peach, citrus, and tropical fruit flavours. Many examples undergo oak aging, resulting in creamy, textured wines with a toasty, nutty complexity.

Pinot Gris
Wines are round, generous, and slightly oily in texture, with flavours of pear, baked apple, and spice. Some producers craft off-dry styles, enhancing richness and complexity.

Sauvignon Blanc
Typically very tropical, ripe and bold styles, through early picked styles can be lighter, herbaceous and zesty.

Merlot
Though primarily a white wine region, Gisborne is increasingly planting Merlot, (plus Malbec and Syrah), producing soft, fruit-driven reds with plum, dark berry, and spice notes.

(Infographic by New Zealand Winegrowers)

Geographical Indication (GI) and Provenance

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a designation that identifies a wine as originating from a specific region, attributing certain qualities, reputation, or other characteristics to that location.

Gisborne, was officially recognized as a GI, in 20218. The designation ensures that wines labelled with this GI are produced from grapes grown within the specific area, reflecting the unique terroir and characteristics of the Gisborne region. It protects the authenticity of Gisborne wines, and provides consumers with confidence in the origin and quality of the wines they enjoy.