Gisborne

Hills and mountain ranges shelter Gisborne from the north and northwest, while afternoon sea breezes temper its Pacific climate. Clay and fine silt-loam soils retain moisture through the summer. Chardonnay is the dominant grape. Other white varieties include Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Arneis and Albariño. Wines often have full flavours and tropical-fruit notes, though the region grows a wider range of red and white grapes. Some producers use biodynamic farming. Hexton Hills is a narrow band of elevated slopes across Ormond, Waihirere and Hexton. Manutuke, where grapes were first planted in the late 1890s, has well-drained silt soils and summer sea breezes. Frederick Wohnsiedler planted Gisborne's first commercial grape crop in 1921. Gold medals for Gisborne Chardonnay later helped shift attention from the region's bulk-wine reputation. Growers are also exploring hillside sites with new varieties and clones.