The Top Gisborne Wineries and Breweries to Visit
Written by Real Travellers, Not Algorithms
Vineyards and fruit orchards make up much of the landscape surrounding the sunny region of Gisborne, making this East Coast city of New Zealand a must-visit for foodies and wine connoisseurs.
Gisborne is New Zealand’s third-largest wine-making region specialising in Chardonnay, as well as a few other intriguing varietals, from Chenin Blanc to Viognier.
Experience Gisborne through its cideries, breweries and wineries with this list of the best wineries in Gisborne!
While you’re in the region, don’t miss the 10 Gisborne Walks You Can’t Miss and our Eastland Road Trip Itinerary: Gisborne to Opotiki.
Side note: Our insights come from experienced travel writers who have tried these experiences, as well as a few reputable recommendations. Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about us.
Table of Contents
1. Sunshine Brewery
Enjoy naturally brewed craft beers along the waterfront of Gisborne. The Sunshine Brewery, New Zealand’s second-oldest craft brewery, has been creating all-natural batch brewed beers since 1989.
Their taproom offers a robust experience with over 20 beers on tap, including “generous” tasting trays with a wide range of beers to choose from and tasting notes to keep you right.
We were delighted by the casual tours of the brewery that can be booked in advance. For those curious about the brewing process, there’s a glass wall where you can see vats and hops in action.
Visitors can soak up the relaxed surf-inspired atmosphere, enjoy a meal, or simply unwind with good times on tap. Sunshine Brewery is open from the afternoon until around 8 pm daily!
Location: 49 Awapuni Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. The Vines @ Bushmere Estate
Complement great local wines with a meal at The Vines restaurant at the Bushmere Estate, a full-sensory vineyard-restaurant escape amid rolling vines.
Sample their flagship Chardonnay along with a diverse line-up including Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Gris, Montepulciano and Sangiovese at the cellar door.
The restaurant prides itself on fresh, local produce paired perfectly with Bushmere’s wines.
Whether you visit for a relaxed lunch, a wine tasting with a platter or a special dinner, the stunning views and delicious food amplify the winery experience.
Location: 166 Main Road, State Highway 2, Matawhero.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Matawhero Wines
Indulge in gourmet platters accompanied by great wines at the Matawhero Wines cellar door.
Since its first vintage in 1975, Matawhero has been a landmark winery in Gisborne, known for introducing new grape varieties like Gewürztraminer to New Zealand. The winery’s signature style includes dry-farmed vines and single-vineyard parcels that truly reflect this sun-soaked region.
Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, explore an underground cellar with older vintages, and occasionally listen to live music. The winery is child-friendly and even has a petanque lawn.
For those who can’t get enough of the place, stay at their luxury studio cabins with vineyard views, as listed in the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Gisborne.
Location: 189 Riverviewpoint Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Wrights Wines
Wrights Wines is a family-owned organic vineyard that offers a delightful wine-tasting experience complemented by mouthwatering cheese boards. It’s the perfect spot to pair local wines with exceptional food and soak in the laid-back Gisborne atmosphere.
Fancy yourself as a bit of a gourmet picnic expert? Build your own picnic from a range of delectable options available at the cellar door. They provide the picnic box, chopping board, and utensils – you just need to choose your favourite goodies. From preserves and dips to bread, crackers, olives, salami, and cheeses (including plant-based options), you’ll be spoilt for choice.
And let’s not forget the drinks – they’ve got you covered with a selection of beers, non-alcoholic beverages and various coffees.
The Cellar Door welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Friday, 12 pm to 3 pm, and on Saturdays from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Location: 1093 Wharerata Road, Manutuke.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Gisborne Wine Centre
Try a bit of everything at the Gisborne Wine Centre.
The wine centre showcases a wide range of wines from around the Gisborne region, available to taste and purchase.
Tailored and guided wine tastings are available by appointment or simply relax with a glass of your favourite varietal along with lunch or dinner.
Note that the Gisborne Wine Centre is closed on Monday and Sunday – on Monday, you could be doing one of the 10 Awesome Things to Do in Gisborne instead.
Location: Shed 3, 3/50 Esplanade, Inner Harbour.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Gisborne
That’s it for our guide to Gisborne; for more information about this charming city on the East Coast, check out the following articles:
- 10 Things to Do in Gisborne for Foodies
- 10 Must-Dos In Gisborne
- 10 Free Natural Attractions in Eastland
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Guide to Gisborne.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
