Chardonnay the star of annual soirée

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne’s place as a major Chardonnay producer will be celebrated on International Chardonnay Day.

This year the annual Chardonnay Affair takes place at The Vines at Matawhero midday to 5pm on May 27, rather than over Labour Day weekend.

“It is fantastic to be celebrating Chardonnays from a collection of our region’s wine producers,” Gisborne Classic Chardonnay Group spokeswoman Kirsten Searle said.

“This wonderful weekend of events showcases not only our region’s wines, but our local cuisine, great hospitality and some unique Tairāwhiti locations. The weekend was selected to coincide with International Chardonnay Day, which is celebrated worldwide on Thursday, May 25,” Ms Searle said.

The event involves seven wineries, with 400 people expected to attend across four events.

“We have introduced a new event at The Black House, an educational masterclass, and the unique Chardonnay Express aboard the Wa165 steam train is back.”