Matawhero Wines Gisborne: Cellar Door & Winery Guide
Updated: 2 days ago
Matawhero Winery: A Gisborne Pioneer
Location: RD1/189 Riverpoint Road, Matawhero, Gisborne.
Phone: 06 867 6140
Wine tasting: Yes
Food: Gourmet platters
Cellar Door Hours:
September: Sat-Sun 12pm-4pm
October-November: Wed-Fri 12pm-3pm; Sat-Sun 12pm-4pm
Other months: Hours vary, contact Matawhero directly
Bookings: Recommended
Best for: Wine tasting, long lunches, couples and vineyard stays
For Luxury accommodation - check rooms & availability:
Matawhero Wines is a historic Gisborne winery and cellar door on Riverpoint Road, about ten minutes from central Gisborne.
Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, gourmet platters, vineyard surroundings and accommodation among the vines.
There are wineries, and then there are wineries that helped shape an entire wine region.
Matawhero Winery is one of the most significant names in New Zealand wine.
Established by pioneering winemakers Bill and Denis Irwin, Matawhero's first vintage in 1975 helped redefine what Gisborne wines could be, earning a reputation for bold Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer and innovative winemaking long before many of today's wine regions became household names
Today, the winery remains proudly rooted in Gisborne, producing single-vineyard, dry-farmed wines that reflect the unique soils and climate of the region.
Under the stewardship of Richard and Kirsten Searle, Matawhero continues to honour its pioneering heritage while crafting wines that consistently attract national and international attention.
Wine Tasting at Matawhero Wines
A visit to the cellar door feels refreshingly authentic.
Tastings are held amongst vines and olive trees, gourmet platters are available, and guests can explore the winery's underground cellar housing older vintages and rare New Zealand wines.
It is less about busloads and souvenir shops, and more about slowing down and appreciating one of Gisborne's true wine pioneers.
Gisborne Wine & Food Festival at Matawhero
Matawhero Winery is the regular location for the Gisborne Wine & Food Festival, one of Gisborne’s best-known events.
Held annually over Labour Weekend, the Gisborne Wine & Food Festival brings together local wine, food and live music for six hours among the vineyards.
Matawhero Vineyard Accommodation
Many visitors arrive for the wine tasting and then discover something even better: you can stay overnight right in the vineyard.
Matawhero's vineyard accommodation offers a peaceful rural escape with vineyard views, modern comforts, and easy access to both the winery and central Gisborne.
It is one of the most unique and luxurious accommodation experiences in the district, combining wine country tranquillity with the convenience of being only minutes from town.
Planning a Gisborne Wine Escape?
Whether you're visiting Gisborne for a weekend, exploring the region's wineries, or simply looking for somewhere special to stay, Matawhero deserves a place on your itinerary.
Check Rooms, Availability & Book Matawhero Wines Luxury Vineyard Accommdation →
