Gisborne is New Zealand's third largest wine region and the Chardonnay capital of the country — more Chardonnay is planted here than anywhere else in New Zealand. The warm climate, generous sunshine hours, and fertile alluvial soils of Poverty Bay produce ripe, full-bodied whites, and the region has also developed a reputation for aromatic varieties: Gewürztraminer, Viognier, and Pinot Gris all perform well here.
Several wineries welcome cellar door visitors. The Millton Vineyard, established in 1984, is one of New Zealand's pioneers of biodynamic viticulture. Vinoptima specialises entirely in Gewürztraminer and is worth visiting for the single-variety focus. The drive through the vineyards south of the city, against the backdrop of the Poverty Bay flats and the hills beyond, is pleasant in itself.