Leading Gisborne Wineries

OVERVIEW

Taste the distinctive North Island terroir as you visit two leading Gisborne vineyards and sample their most characteristic wines. Blessed with a Mediterranean-style climate, fertile alluvial soil and low-altitude river plains, this area is fast becoming one of New Zealand’s largest wine-producing regions – renowned especially for its chardonnays and gewürztraminers. On this tour, you’ll have the delicious opportunity to find out what all the fuss is about. Traveling by coach from the pier, it’s a short but picturesque drive out into the rolling, green hills of wine country. At Bushmere Estate, where the Egan family has been growing grapes for over 40 years, you’ll sample their selections accompanied by a light antipasto platter. The tasting may include their elegant chardonnay redolent of nectarine and grapefruit, or an excellent gewürztraminer, known for its lychee flavor with a touch of honey and a lime/ginger finish. At Matawhero Wines, the offerings can be quite adventurous; founder Bill Irwin defied convention from the get-go in 1968, making wines of boutique standing and bringing acclaim to New Zealand’s prowess in the process. At one point, absolutely everyone was drinking Matawhero’s wines – even the Queen of England. You’ll sample their varietals while nibbling on complimentary cheeses.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel out to Gisborne wine country and sample the wares at two prominent vineyards.
• At the family-run Bushmere Estate, taste wines of standout character created for generations.
• Visit the tasting room at Matawhero Wines, known for their inventive, renegade spirit – and a gewürztraminer fit for a Queen.
• Learn about the unique growing conditions that make this region heaven for chardonnay and gewürztraminer grapes.
• Nibble light antipasto and cheese.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.