Matawhero

Gisborne

Established in 1968 by Bill Irwin, Matawhero gained prominence for introducing innovative viticultural practices and unconventional grape varieties to New Zealand. His son, Denis Irwin, continued this legacy, imparting his own colourful style and winning fame for his Gewurztraminer and Chardonnays. He passed on the baton to Richard and Kirsten Searle, who acquired the winery in 2008, They are the trusted Kaitiaki (guardians) of Matawhero and continue to develop the iconic winery and share the distinctive wine styles of the Tairawhiti-Gisborne region.

They continue to produce an ‘Irwin Chardonnay’ honouring the founders, with a limited release, barrel fermented Chardonnay,. They also produce ‘Single Vineyard’ series which showcases the unique characteristics of specific vineyard blocks, and a ‘Church House’ series, which pays homage to the original winery established in a former church.

Winemaker

Kim Crawford

Kim Crawford, a prominent New Zealand winemaker, is renowned for establishing Kim Crawford Wines in 1996, which gained international acclaim for its Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. After selling the brand in 2006, Kim, alongside his wife Erica, founded Loveblock in Marlborough, focusing on organic and sustainable viticulture.

The Searle’s relationship with Kim all started with growing fruit for him in the late 1990s under his ‘KC’ brand. Many years later, he offered to come and lend a hand with crafting their Matawhero wines, and joined the team. It’s a partnership which has resulted in many notable wines, including the much-respected Matawhero 'Church House' Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2021.

In Kim’s words, “whilst Gisborne can be a difficult region from both a viticulture and winemaking perspective, when you get it right the flavours and fruit weight are unmatched”.

A Kiwi Fruit Bowl

Situated on the fertile plains of Gisborne, Matawhero's vineyards benefit from a favourable climate characterised by long, hot summers and rich alluvial soils. The Māori name for the area is Tairāwhiti, the coast upon which the sun shines.

These high sunshine hours and a warm climate ripens our fruit perfectly and creates distinctive wines with lovely fruit intensity and weight.

Historically recognised as one of the ‘fruit-bowls’ of New Zealand, an abundance of other produce – citrus, kiwifruit, avocados and a wide variety of vegetables including tomatoes, sweetcorn, squash and leafy greens of every type - are grown.

The winery practices dry farming, relying solely on natural rainfall, which encourages deep root systems and results in grapes with concentrated flavours and balanced acidity. This approach not only conserves water but also enhances the expression of terroir in their wines.