Gisborne is an absolute mecca for wine enthusiasts.

Sun-kissed lands and fertile soils have helped make Gisborne the third-largest wine-producing region in New Zealand.

With a scattering of exceptional wineries in this beautiful corner of Aotearoa, a visit to Gisborne wouldn’t be complete without a day of wine tasting.  From award-winning Chardonnay to Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Malbec, there’s a beautiful variety of wine to entice every palette. Visit our top cellar doors and enjoy discovering yours!

Start the day in Manutuke

Head out west crossing the Waipaoa River and you’ll come to two highly acclaimed vineyards. Millton Vineyards and Winery is New Zealand's First Organic & Biodynamic Wine Estate with founder James Millton regularly referred to as the country’s father of sustainable farming practices. Cellar doors are open Monday to Saturday and are $5.00 /person for 5 different wines with a beautiful selection of food available for purchase from the Deli Fridge. Just down the road is Wrights Vineyard and Winery – a long-standing family of winegrowers with some wines coming from the oldest Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Syrah vines in New Zealand. Cellar doors are open October – April or by appointment for gourmet pizzas, wonderful wine and a relaxed family environment.

Did you know?

Cycle Gisborne offers a pedal-powered Vineyard Tour popular with wine buffs who prefer to sample the regions best wines by bike. Tours include a bike, helmet, 3 wine tastings, a vineyard lunch, with the option for a personal guide upon request. Group rates are available.

Explore Matawhero and surrounds

Three of the most popular vineyards in Matawhero are dotted around Riverpoint and part of the Central Valley. Bridge Estate Vineyard is open from lunch until late from Wednesday - Sunday and is the perfect place for wine tasting, delicious platters, outdoor games and live music from time to time. Nearby Matawhero Wines is another hotspot for gourmet platters and wine tasting amidst the vines and olive trees. There’s also an underground cellar which is home to vintage Matawhero wines and other iconic New Zealand wines. Cellar door opening times run from February to March, but it always pays to call and check availability.

Neighbouring Bushmere Estate Wines also offers a fine wining and dining experience – with the onsite Vines restaurant open year-round, you can enjoy a beautiful meal prepared by local chefs with a selection of wine flights upon availability amidst the vineyards.

Did you know?

Bridge Estate Vineyard was formerly the site of the ‘Old Bridge Hotel.’ Today accommodation is available for those keen to sleep amidst the vines in unique and beautiful character buildings and experience amazing service and hospitality.

Harbourfront evening at Gisborne Wine Centre

At the day's end, head to the waterfront for an unforgettable night of wining and dining. Tucked away in the inner harbour marina are the city’s premier wine cellar and tasting room. Gisborne Wine Centre offers guided tastings to highlight the best Gisborne wines in the region with the onsite restaurant Crawford Road Kitchen offering a lavish selection of divine dishes to enjoy for dinner.

Did you know?

Not just for wine lovers, Gisborne is also home to the iconic Sunshine Brewery and Harvest Cidery.  Let the team at Experience Gisborne take care of you on the fully guided Great Taste Tour.

For more great vineyards download the Gisborne Wine Map.