Gisborne
The 'Chardonnay capital' of New Zealand, Gisborne makes rich, sunny whites from its warm east-coast slopes, including superb aromatic Gewürztraminer and Viognier.
Fast facts
At a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Climate | Warm, humid, maritime |
| Geography | East-coast North Island region facing the sunrise |
| Key appellations | Gisborne GI |
| Main grapes | Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Viognier |
| Famous for | Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sunshine |
Grapes
Signature grapes of Gisborne
The varieties that define this region's wines.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the world's most planted white grape and a remarkable blank canvas for terroir and winemaking. F…
Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris
Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris in French) produces two very different styles. Italian Pinot Grigio is light-bodied, …
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer is one of the most aromatic and distinctive white grapes, famed for its intense, perfumed chara…
Viognier
Viognier is a luxurious, headily aromatic white grape from the northern Rhône, most famously the tiny appellat…
Nearby
Related regions
Explore neighbouring wine areas.
Wine travel
Visiting Gisborne
A friendly, off-the-beaten-path region famous for its sun, surfing and warm hospitality.
NZ Explore all of New Zealand
Country-wide wine guide with regions, grapes, classification and food culture.