Gisborne Wineries, Breweries and Cideries
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 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.
1. Millton Vineyards & Winery
A winery with a difference, the MilltonVineyards & Winery uses biodynamic and organic techniques to produce fine wines. Learn all about it through an informative wine tasting, trying varietals including Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Syrah and Chenin Blanc. The winery also serves up artisan cheese and cured meat boards in a lush garden setting.
Location: 119 Papatu Road, Manutuke
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Sunshine Brewery
Enjoy naturally brewed craft beers along the waterfront of Gisborne. The Sunshine Brewery pours generous tasting trays with a wild range of beers to choose from and tasting notes to keep you right. Casual tours of the brewery can be booked in advance.
Location: 49 Awapuni Road
© NZPocketGuide.com3. The Vines @ Bushmere Estate
Compliment great local wines with a meal at The Vines restaurant at the Bushmere Estate. Try Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Montepulciano and Sangiovese at the cellar door, open Wednesdays to Sundays.
Location: 166 Main Road, State Highway 2 Matawhero
© Pexels4. Harvest Cidery
Peak through the window, literally, into a working cidery at Gisborne’s Harvest Cidery. The cidery uses local fruit from the nearby orchards to spruce up fruity award-winning ciders, such as Harvest, Scrumpy, Bulmers and Thomas & Rose. Pop in for a free cider tasting and wander upstairs to watch the brewers at work. We also list the cidery in our 11 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Gisborne.
Location: 91 Customhouse Street
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Matawhero Wines
Indulge in gourmet platters accompanied by great wines at the Matawhero Wines cellar door. Enjoy a wine tasting among the vines and olive trees and even listen to live music during January and February. The winery also has a petanque lawn and is child-friendly.
Location: 189 Riverviewpoint Road
© Pexels6. Bridge Estate Vineyard
More petanque (and croquet) awaits at the Bridge Estate Vineyard, but the wine is obviously the thing to get the most excited about. Set in what was once a hotel, the winery has a rustic feel about it making a pleasant environment to share drinks and platters with friends. The cellar door also serves up local crafts beers and ciders.
Location: 16 Riverpointview Road
© NZPocketGuide.com7. 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 Mondays – on Mondays, you could be doing one of the 10 Awesome Things to Do in Gisborne instead.
Location: Shed 3, Inner Harbour
© NZPocketGuide.comSources:
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 [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
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