NZD 15.00
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4.8
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5 reviews
Story of Passionate Winemaking
The Story of the Winery
The Matawhero journey started with two New Zealand wine pioneers from the 1960s. Today the story continues around the drive and determination of Kirsten and Richard Searle. who purchased the Matawhero vineyard and winery in Gisborne from Denis in 2008. They are the trusted Kaitiaki (guardians) of Matawhero and continue to develop the iconic winery and share the distinctive wine styles of the Tairawhiti-Gisborne region. They produce famous New Zealand Chardonnay and other wines including aromatics like Gewürztraminer and lovely Reds.
Passionate Winelovers
The Matawhero winery and vineyards in Gisborne were purchased by Kirsten and Richard Searle in 2008 from New Zealand pioneer winemaker Denis Irwin. After a rigorous process on Denis’s part to ensure that the baton was being passed to someone equally as passionate about wine and the region as he was, he willed us on and the hard work began replanting and revitalizing the historic winery.
Their love of the region runs deep, Richard grew up here and with a family history of growing grapes, they wouldn’t want to be doing anything else!
Matawhero has a colorful history that underpins our journey so far. Our first vintage in 1975 under the watch of Bill and Denis Irwin put New Zealand on the world wine map with a reputation for rebellious and flamboyant flavours and varietals. Son Denis imparted his own colorful style and won fame for his Gewurztraminer and famous New Zealand Chardonnays – everyone was drinking it, even the Queen!
Experiences to book at Matawhero Wines
Top reviews
Laura Davies
February 8, 2025
Beautiful afternoon here, pity the hours are so short! They even had a lovely area for the kids to play with toys! The wines were lovely and the platter was so generous!
Ash and Annmarie Lee
November 14, 2024
We booked for lunch and wine tasting. Arrived alongside cruise boat group. The wine and platter was great as was the staff member who tried to meet our needs but the winery was understaffed and we left disappointed by the level of service
Location
189 Riverpoint Road, Matawhero, Gisborne 4071, New Zealand
Region
Spoken Languages
Services
Reduced Mobility Access
Restaurant
Accommodation
Pets Allowed
Parking
Bus Parking
Visiting Hours
Monday
12:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - Wednesday
closed
Thursday - Sunday
12:00 - 16:00
Wine types
Red Wine
White Wine
Rose Wine
Grape varieties
Chardonnay
Merlot
Pinot Rose
Pinot Noir
Malbec
Sauvignon Blanc
Chenin Blanc
Gewürztraminer
Pinot Gris
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Visitor reviews
What our community thinks about Matawhero Wines
Check out verified reviews from visitors who've enjoyed their time at Matawhero Wines.
Write a reviewReviews (5)
Laura Davies
Reviewed on February 8, 2025
Beautiful afternoon here, pity the hours are so short! They even had a lovely area for the kids to play with toys! The wines were lovely and the platter was so generous!
Review provided by Google
Steve Meng Yee
Reviewed on January 25, 2025
Musing after a recent break in my home town, I think Matawhero offers the best winery experience in Tairawhiti. The owners have done a superb job in combining the original winery, with newish features such as accommodation, a paved entrance, gallery, and extra seating in the garden area. Rustic and modern blended right, and on a stunning Gizzy day, it’s hard to think of a better place to be for a non beach person like me. It really feels like the “South of France” relocated to the Pacific. As a kid who spent a bit of time on Riverpoint Road (visiting friends with market gardens) it’s amazing to see the evolution of a stunning winery at the end of the road. Oh, and the wine and platters are great too, as is the service. Big thanks to the staff member who found some chocolate for my family. All that’s missing is an outdoor pizza oven or BBQ area - maybe something for the future.
Review provided by Google
Ash and Annmarie Lee
Reviewed on November 14, 2024
We booked for lunch and wine tasting. Arrived alongside cruise boat group. The wine and platter was great as was the staff member who tried to meet our needs but the winery was understaffed and we left disappointed by the level of service
Review provided by Google
Hayley Morgan
Reviewed on November 14, 2024
We arrived on Thursday at midday, we were greeted by sally who even though they were busy was still extremely accommodating told us to take a seat and someone would be with us shortly! We did a wine flight and the platter for 2.. the wine was absolutely beautiful the best we have had and we have done quite a few cellar doors. The platter perfectly complimented the wines we had and was plenty for 2 people. The cellar door is beautiful and everyone went above and beyond to make sure we were enjoying ourselves. The chenin blanc 🤤 (SUPERB) would definitely recommend coming here
Review provided by Google
Len Dest
Reviewed on November 3, 2024
Located in the middle of the Matawhero winery vineyards the modern sleek cabins offer elegant accommodations. The sleek space provides comfort and style. Owners Kristen and Richard Searle have created the perfect balance between vineyards, winery. Cellar door and luxury accommodations. Highly Recommended
Review provided by Google
Frequently Asked Questions about Matawhero Wines
Where is Matawhero Wines located?
Matawhero Wines is located in Tairāwhiti, New Zealand
What type of wines does Matawhero Wines produce?
Matawhero Wines produces Red Wine, White Wine, Rose Wine.
What grape varieties do they plant at Matawhero Wines?
At Matawhero Wines, they cultivate Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Rose, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris.
What languages do they speak at the Matawhero Wines?
At Matawhero Wines they speak English.
Do they produce organic wines at Matawhero Wines?
No, Matawhero Wines is not an organic wine producer.