Matawhero is a historic winery based in Gisborne on New Zealand’s east coast, one of the country’s earliest established wine regions and known for its warm, sunny maritime climate.

Founded in 1968, the estate has played a key role in shaping Gisborne’s reputation for aromatic whites, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.

Matawhero combines modern winemaking with a strong sense of regional identity, using gentle pressing and cool fermentation in stainless steel to preserve varietal purity and aromatics.

Gisborne, located on New Zealand’s northeastern North Island, is one of the country’s warmest and sunniest wine regions, earning it the nickname “Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand.” Its maritime climate provides abundant sunshine and moderate rainfall, allowing grapes to ripen fully while retaining natural acidity. Soils are varied, from deep clay loams to gravelly terraces over limestone, which contribute to the minerality and structure in the wines.

The region is best known for Chardonnay, which thrives on the slopes of the Hexton Hills and Tietjen vineyards, producing wines with stone-fruit and tropical characters balanced by crisp acidity. Gisborne also grows Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir, often crafting aromatic whites and elegant reds.

Vineyards are often small, family-owned estates emphasizing sustainable or organic practices. Gisborne’s combination of sun, soil diversity, and skilled winemaking has earned it a reputation for producing expressive, high-quality wines with a distinctive New Zealand character.

Pinot Gris is a white grape variety originating from France, where it is most famously grown in Alsace. It is a mutation of Pinot Noir and is also known internationally as Pinot Grigio in Italy, where it is typically made in a lighter, crisper style. Despite its name, the grape has a pinkish-grey skin, which can give wines a slightly golden hue.

Pinot Gris is now grown in many cool to moderate climate regions across the world, including New Zealand, Germany (as Grauburgunder), Oregon, Australia, and increasingly in the UK. The style varies widely depending on the region and winemaking approach - from dry and zesty to rich, off-dry or even late-harvest expressions.

Aromatically, Pinot Gris tends to show notes of pear, apple, peach, and citrus, with hints of honeysuckle, spice, and sometimes a touch of smoke or nuttiness. In Alsace, it can produce full-bodied wines with texture and ageing potential, while Italian Pinot Grigio is typically light and fresh.

Viticulturally, Pinot Gris is an early-ripening variety, but it can be sensitive to disease and rot due to its thin skins and compact bunches. It requires careful canopy management and monitoring to maintain acidity and avoid over-ripeness, particularly in warmer climates.