Established in 1968 by the late William (Bill) Irwin, the Matawhero vineyards originally supplied contract grapes for local wineries. Bill was literally the father of modern viticulture in New Zealand and it was his drive and determination that lead to the importation of new grape varieties. Denis Irwin set up the Matawhero Wine label in the mid-1970s using a small part of the grapes his father Bill grew and sold to other Gisborne wineries.

Success followed quickly with both Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay wines attracting national and international attention. The 1977 Matawhero Gewurztraminer achieved fourth in a wine show in Paris - an astonishing achievement at the time for a new world wine. The 1978 vintage of even higher standard; everyone was drinking it including the Queen.

Denis' last Matawhero labeled vintage was in 1999 and he has since retired the winery operation on the Matawhero Estate. Now running the Colosseum, a bar and function centre just a stone's throw from the Matawhero vineyards, he still taps into his cellared stock. We hear that the 1999 Matawhero Chardonnay is still drinking well!

Purchased by the Searle family in 2008, the 15 hectare Matawhero Estate has now been replanted and revitalized. The release of Matawhero wines in spring 2009 heralds a rekindling of the renowned label and with the influence of winemaker Kim Crawford; there remains an idiosyncratic character in the wines.

The old Matawhero Cellar Door has reopened and faithfully portrays that idiomatic character the brand is so much loved for.

With a focus on premium single vineyard wines the Matawhero range represent the best that Gisborne has to offer. Our initial range includes the infamous Gewurztraminer and of course a classic Gisborne Chardonnay.

Keeping with our pioneering tradition we introduce Arneis, a white wine incredible as an appetizer, with its delicate aroma hinting of wild herbs. And we place special emphasis on our intense dry white wine; Viognier, with its heavy fruit palate.