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Gisborne

On the eastern tip of the North Island in New Zealand, Gisborne vines are the first to watch the sun rise each day as the vineyards here are the closest to the International Date Line. The region has also claimed itself the Chardonnaycapitol of New Zealand. There are not a lot of wineries here, but there are a lot of vines.

Notable Facts
Being the first to see the sun each day, it would make sense that the vineyards of Gisborne also receive some of the most sun in the country. The Chardonnay wine made in Gisborne is diverse, due to a few climate differences and range of soils. The heavy clay ground produces the richer, creamier versions of Chardonnay, while the silt based soils give delicate, floral wines with long-lasting acidity and body. Most Chardonnay here is un-oaked, giving the drinker the purity of the grape's aromas and structure.