Gisborne

The Gisborne region on the east coast of the North Island is where Europeans first landed in New Zealand, most notably Gisborne claims to be Captain Cook’s first landfall in 1769. The region is known as Tairawhiti, which means “the coast upon which the sun shines across the water”. This region experiences the warmest summer temperatures in the North Island. 

The warm-dry climate lends itself to wine production and there are many vineyards in the region producing world class wines. With high, hot sunshine hours and fertile clay loam soils Gisborne is famous for producing exceptional Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Merlot and Malbec.

Gisborne vineyards are heavily influenced by their coastal location, a sheltered macroclimate and plentiful sunshine during the growing season. Sea breezes during the summer help to moderate the intensity of the region's sunlight and extend the growing season, adding complexity and acidity to the berries.