Gisborne
Wine lovers revere Gisborne as the “Chardonnay Capital” of New Zealand due to the predominance and quality of this variety.
Gisborne, the first city in the world to see the sun each day, is located on New Zealand’s most easterly tip. The region receives high sunshine hours on coastal plains that are sheltered from the west by a range of mountains. Chardonnay is by far and away the region’s most famous wine exports followed by predominantly white varietals and a smattering of reds. This is an interesting contrast when compared with it’s southerly neighbour Hawkes Bay. Soils include alluvial loams over sandy or volcanic subsoils of moderate fertility, with vineyards predominantly sited on flats. A beautiful sunny region that is a must on any wine tour of NZ.
Terroir
Much of the credit for the Gisborne region's quality wine must go to Gisborne's high, hot sunshine hours and our clay loam soils. These help produce wines with nuances of melon, peach, grapefruit and passionfruit. The tough clay soils are targeted for the richest Chardonnay wines, while vigorous sites are better suited to sparkling wine. Gisborne wines have body and finesse, a firm structure on which to age, and a delicate floral expression to the aroma. Gisborne boasts six distinct localities or Appellations with three sub appellations. Patutahi, (Sub Appellation Patutahi Plateau), Waipaoa, Golden Slopes, Central Valley, (Sub Appellation Riverpoint), Manutuke, and Ormond (sub appellation Ormond Valley) There are also others developing regions which are now climbing into some of the surrounding hillsides. There is plenty more to discover from the Gisborne region with vines planted and producing distinctive wines in Te Karaka, Waimata Valley, Tolaga Bay and Muriwai. Along with single vineyard site of Milltons, Parkers and Villa’s McDiarmid.
Gisborne Wine Events
Gisborne Wine & Food Festival
Sunday, Labour Weekend, October 25, 2009
From modest beginnings in 1997 when just 1000 tickets were sold, the Gisborne Wine & Food Festival has grown to a nationally celebrated event that has seen over 4000 tickets snapped up quickly. This year celebrates 13 years of the festival, a successful East Coast wine event.
The International Chardonnay Challenge
May, 2009
The ICC is more than just a competition – it is a celebration of a single variety that has the adoration of so many. From winemakers who celebrate the versatility of chardonnay to wine aficionados who toast both the traditional and new trends, through to the many who appreciate it for everything it offers.
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Key Facts
New Zealand lies between 35th and 45th parallels - between Morocco and Bordeaux in European terms. Gisborne is the same parallel as Malaga, Spain and Melbourne
Gisborne is the third largest producer of wine grapes in New Zealand.
1769 - First European landing place when Captain Cook stepped off the Endeavour
1913 – First grapes planted for home production 1921 – German winemaker Friedrich Wohnsiedler released his first wine
1970 Montana and Corbans opened wineries in Gisborne
Mid 1980’s - Montana bought out Penfolds and merged it into the Montana group
Mid 1990’s - The Millton Vineyard with a Trophy, a best of show and second wine of show with their Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay in one London wine show, and various Gold and trophy winning wines from many different winemakers produced from Gisborne fruit.
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Vintage Reports
Not Currently Available.
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