The French reverently use the term “Terroir”, the expression of soil, environment, topography, climate, and people, as wine.

Kiwis would probably call it “Hard Yakka”, it most certainly is both, with wine being the joyful outcome.

Gisborne as a winegrowing region of New Zealand enjoys some of the warmest summers in the country, while the winters are softened by ocean breezes. Warm summer days and maritime cooled nights develop intense tropical and stone fruit characters in Chardonnay and wonderfully luscious dark berry notes in Merlot. Albarino takes its time to offer its best flavours of ripe peach and pear, so it is fortunate that Gisborne has wonderful long growing seasons.

Unlike many of the wine regions in New Zealand, vineyards in Gisborne can be established without irrigation. The soil and climate offer sufficient nutrition and rainfall to nurture vine growth and fruit development without additional draw on natural resources.

Uniquely, Patutahi is surrounded with ranges which modify the local mesoclimate resulting in lower rainfall, warmer day temperatures, and cooler nights. Along with clay soils punctuated with layers of pumice, all these influences culminate in grapes rich with unabashedly intense flavour and balanced acidity.

Initially world famous for Gewurztraminer, Gisborne, and indeed, Patutahi, has produced some of the most iconic wines of New Zealand. Ranging from wonderful aromatic varieties of Gewurztraminer, Viognier and Albarino, to rich full flavoured and complex Chardonnay and fleshy Merlot.

Our place, Patutahi, is land of uncommon beauty which lifts the soul every day. May the thrill of version never fade.