A weekend affair with Gisborne chardonnay

Guests disembarked the Wa165 steam train at Muriwai where they tried some of the region’s best chardonnays while enjoying some live music in the afternoon sun. Pictures by Ella Witters

Gisborne chardonnay was the star at the weekend, whether sipped on a steam train, in a vineyard or at the Black House luxury lodge, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Marking International Chardonnay Weekend, The Chardonnay Affair was made up of four events with the new addition of a master class hosted by Master of Wine Sophie Parker. The Affair began on Friday night with the Fling — a soiree which featured some of Gisborne’s top chardonnay matched with food by Wendy Bennett and live music.

Chardonnay in the Vines on Saturday was a three-course lunch at The Vines at Bushmere Estate with each course paired with a different chardonnay. The master class also took place on Saturday at Gisborne’s oldest winery, Matawhero. On Sunday people were welcomed on board the Chardonnay Express where they could connect with the winemakers while taking in the views as they travelled to Muriwai in the Wa165 steam train.

Event organiser Bex Tacon said they were thrilled with how the weekend went.

“Our guests had a wonderful weekend in Gisborne celebrating everything this beautiful region has to offer.”

“The Fling on Friday night was a big hit and sold out. Despite the fact ticket sales were put back because of the cyclone, we still had a great weekend with people coming from all across New Zealand to be part of this year’s Chardonnay Affair. We had guests from Canterbury, Auckland, Tauranga, Taupo and Hamilton, which was incredible.

“It was a big success and we can’t wait to do it all again next year!”