The Chardonnay Fling
Friday 24 May 2024
Welcome the weekend in at the beautiful Black House overlooking Wainui Beach. Chardonnay will be the star of this soiree, as we sip and sample Gisborne’s finest classic Chardonnays. A glittering array of sumptuous food will be served to match your desired chardonnay as you enjoy the soothing sounds of live music.
Dress – for after five!
LOCATION The Black House, 72 Winifred St, Wainui Beach
DATE Friday 24 May 2024
TIME 5:00PM - 10.00PM
TICKETS $115 General Admission
DRESS to impress!
Tickets Include: live music, bubbles on arrival and 2 glasses of Chardonnay matched with an array of amazing canapés. Cash bar available.
Chardonnay in The Vines
Saturday 25th May 2024
DRESS – to impress in white to match our famous Chardonnays.
Bubbles on arrival, Start the day of with canapés and wine tasting with some of Gisbornes finest - you are then treated to 3-course lunch by The Vines paired with Chardonnay, and live music.
LOCATION The Vines @ Bushmere Estate
166 Main Road, Makaraka, Gisborne Google Map HERE
DATE Saturday 25th May 2024
TIME 12:00PM–5:00PM
TICKETS $220 General Admission
Join us for this long lunch as we mingle with Gisborne’s finest Chardonnays among the vines at Bushmere Estate. Guests will enjoy the best local produce, dished up by the very talented team at The Vines. You will also be entertained throughout the afternoon with our passionate winemakers talking about their wines and live music and . Relax amongst the vines and enjoy the beautiful views!
Masterclass
Saturday 25th May 2024
DRESS – Wine Country Casual
Ticket includes: Chardonnay Masterclass selection of Gisborne’s finest chardonnays, and cheeseboard.
LOCATION Tahu, 40 Centennial Marine Drive, Gisborne
DATE Saturday 25th May 2024
TICKETS $65 General Admission
TIME 1:00PM–3:00PM
We are thrilled to once again announce the addition of a Chardonnay Masterclass to this year’s event series. The Masterclass will feature a selection of best Chardonnay by local winemakers to showcase the best Gisborne Chardonnay expressions. Step into the world of classic Gisborne Chardonnays. Our masterclass invites you to savour the essence of Gisborne's terroir as expressed through its signature Chardonnays. Immerse yourself in the rich history and distinctive flavours of this celebrated varietal, crafted by skilled winemakers who honour tradition while embracing innovation. From the sun-drenched vineyards to the cool sea breezes, Gisborne's unique microclimate imparts a character that sets its Chardonnays apart.During this exclusive session, you'll sample a curated selection of Gisborne's finest Chardonnays, each revealing the region's hallmark notes of ripe stone fruit, citrus, and subtle oak. you'll delve into the intricacies of Gisborne's winemaking techniques and learn how they shape the flavour profile of these exceptional wines.
Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, our Gisborne Chardonnay masterclass promises an enlightening and delicious exploration of this beloved varietal. Discover why Gisborne is renowned for producing some of New Zealand's most iconic and sought-after Chardonnays, and elevate your appreciation for the artistry behind each glass.
Delicious Cheeseboards are included as part of your ticket price to accompany your tastings.
Rendezvous on The
Chardonnay Express
Sunday 26th May 2024
DRESS – Wine Country Casual
Ticket includes: The Chardonnay Express, tasting card and brochure, a glass of bubbles, live music, a tasting of classic Chardonnays and catering by GEM Cuisine.
LOCATION Gisborne Railway Station, Gisborne. Google Map HERE
DATE Sunday 26th May 2024
TIME 12:00PM–5:00PM
TICKETS $170 General Admission
Celebrate International Chardonnay Weekend aboard the historic steam train WA 165 as you wind your way from Gisborne railway station through the countryside to Muriwai. The steamy train ride offers you the opportunity to connect with the clever winemakers who craft these delicious classic Chardonnays.
The train ride is pulled and shunted by the only surviving WA Class steam locomotive in the world. WA165 was built 1897 in N.Z. Rail’s Dunedin workshops, (one of 11 built between 1892 and 1903), and was retired in 1957, eventually ending up at Young Nick’s Playground in Awapuni Road, Gisborne in 1968. In 1986 a group of Gisborne rail enthusiasts removed WA165 for restoration and was finished and fired up in 1997 with its first commercial trip on Labour Weekend 2000. The train’s route passes many historical Gisborne sites and uniquely, in the Southern Hemisphere, crosses the runway of Gisborne Airport, as well as the restored and raised Waipaoa Bridge. Also fully and beautifully restored are the carriages that passengers are taken in. During the afternoon, enjoy acoustic music duo who have recently settled in rural Gisborne. We also have the amazing GEM Cuisine team serving up beautiful kai fusions to keep you going through your glorious Chardonnay tasting experience.
RENDEZVOUS WITH GISBORNE’S FINEST CHARDONNAYS IN THIS ARRAY OF SUMPTUOUS EVENTS
International Chardonnay Day is celebrated on the Thursday before the last Monday in May every year and is gathering momentum in many wine producing countries around the world. The Chardonnay Affair will host a number of events focusing on matching the wines with local cuisine and learning more about our beautiful wines and region.
The History of Chardonnay
in our Region
Our region’s temperate environment with kind spring rainfalls and long dry summers, combined with both alluvial and heavier clay soils, enables dry farming of a wide range of grape varieties, but perhaps most notably, Chardonnay, for which Gisborne has long been famous. For many years the region was known as “The Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand”.
The mix of high sunshine, verdant landscapes, fascinating history and the exciting range of winestyles makes Gisborne a beguiling wine destination. This relatively remote area rewards those who take a trip east with a diverse range of wines, from full flavoured and fruit driven, to critically acclaimed biodynamic classics. Gisborne is home to a mix of large producers, boutique wineries, and entrepreneurial growers, who are continuously exploring new varieties and vineyard sites.