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Gisborne Wine Tasting

in New Zealand's Chardonnay Wine Capital!

alt.Wine-Sign-Millton-Winery-Gisborne,jpg

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When you visit Gisborne wine tasting will be something you will almost certainly want to include. Gisborne is known as the main chardonnay growing area in New Zealand.It is probably one of the oldest wine growing regions having had vines planted here as far back as the 1850’s.

Montana wines.........one of New Zealand's major brands, has huge vineyards producing wines here for over 30 years. Gisborne wine tasting will give you the opportunity to see the countryside as you tour the vineyards. Many of the local wines are award winning, and their restaurants also produce some fine meals.

Gisborne Wine Tasting in Winter

To enjoy Gisborne wine tasting at the vineyards you really need to go in summer, as most vineyards are closed over winter from May we discovered! While you get the stunning autumn colours of the vines, you miss the wine tastings.You can make special arrangements if you phone some vineyards.

If you are in Gisborne in winter it is possible to do a wine tasting at The Works Cafe of their Goldenvines Estate wines.The Cafe is well worth visiting for a meal.

Popular Gisborne Wine Varieties

Along with Chardonnaythis area produces some excellent
  • Gewurztraminer - another wine that this area excells in
  • Viognier
  • Pinot Noir
  • Merlot
  • Malbec

Gisborne Wine Tasting Reviews

Millton Vineyard and Winery – We arrived thinking Millton's was open for the afternoon. It wasn’t..... but they kindly agreed to give us a wine tasting. Set in beautiful gardens, on the edge of the Te Arai River............settlers first planted grape vines here in 1871! alt.Millton-Winery-Gisborne.jpg We enjoyed most of their wines especially the 2005 oaked Chardonnay with its rich, creamy, butterscotch finish. We also loved the Reisling and the Malbec.

They have not only the Millton Vineyard range of wines but Grand Cr Clos de Ste Anne Chardonnay and Pinot Noir which we didn’t get to sample. The traditional cellar was delightful. Having won several gold medals it is a vineyards worth visiting.

alt.Millton-Winery-Gardens-Gisborne.jpg Millton Wines are certified as organic as they use no synthetic sprays. A family affair, the young daughter, Monique...... has her own small vineyard planted with Chenin Blanc.....her choice her Dad explained.

TW Wines – Back Ormond Rd – We did not get here but it is worth noting that in our conversation with the owner of The Works restaurant and Goldvines Estate Winery that he recommended this was a vineyard worth visiting. He said the owners would keep us entertained with their laid back style. It seems they love to share their stories and you could well be roped into an experience such as helping pile up prunings or whatever is happening at the time.

NOTE FOR CAMPERVAN TRAVELLERS: They welcome self contained campervans by arrangement.( Ph – 021-864 818 at time of writing)

Vinoptima – This is by appointment only. We were fortunate to visit as part of the Convention tour. Owned by Nick Nobilo of Nobilo’s wines in Auckland it was a fascinating look and tasting of his very special international award winning 2006 Ormond Gewurztraminer and the vineyard, which has been carefully and lovingly developed to produce only top wines.Nick is passionate about his latest venture and a fascinating host to listen to. That Nick chose this location is testament to the wines able to be produced in the area.

alt.Vinoptima-Winery-Gisborne.jpg

Gisborne Wineries

There are several more excellent wineries you could tour around.

  • Amor-Bendall Wines
  • Brunton Road Wines
  • Bushmere Estate
  • Goldenvines Estate - see not on tasting at The Works Cafe
  • Hihi Wines
  • Kirkpatrick Estate
  • Lonhbush Wines
  • Poverty Bay and Bridge EstateRepongaere Estate
  • Stone Bridge Wines
  • Tiritiri Estate
  • Waimata Wines
  • Wrights Vineyard
  • Zelus Sun Winery

Maps and full details are available from the Gisborne Tourist Information Bureau.

Gisborne Cidery and Brewery Tasting Reviews

You may also enjoy visiting the Cidery and a boutique brewery while in Gisborne.

The Cidery - 91 Customhouse St, is walking distance from Gladstone Rd . It produces Bulmer Harvest and we enjoyed tastings of a selection of

  • Harvest
  • Scrumpy
  • Bulmers Original cider
  • Mead Liqueur
You can see the production line through a huge window. It is a change from the usual vineyard visits. With gold flakes in the mead liqueur it was not only delicious but pretty. I just had to buy some to bring home!

Sunshine Brewery – 109 Disraeli Street - Established in 1989 this brewery had a good selection of ales and lagers for tasting.

Producing beers where they use no added sugar, they have built up a thriving product.Especially as they are suitable for diabetics. They also have lines that are seasonal and one off productions. You can buy direct. Not being a beer drinker I passed my samples on. Others enjoyed the tasting and beers.




CLICK THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE NEW ZEALAND WINE INFORMATION




CLICK HERE to go to VISIT GISBORNE EASTLAND

CLICK HERE to go to NEW ZEALAND WINERIES

CLICK HERE to go to NEW ZEALAND WINES

CLICK HERE to go to NEW ZEALAND WINE TIPS

CLICK HERE to go to WAIHEKE WINERIES and RESTAURANTS

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