About the Winery
Discover another side to New Zealand wines through our Gisborne Winery. Our climate boasts long, hot summers and rich, fertile plains that meander towards secluded surf beaches. Fertile soils allow our region to grow an abundance of produce, but we grow grapes because it is part of our origins, history and the legacy we have chosen to build on. Our New Zealand winery is one of the oldest and our first vintage was 1975.
Our vineyards are 100% naturally dry farmed and we only grow our grapes using natural rainfall and no irrigation. What we love about dry farming is we are saving a precious resource like water and it also explains the style of wine we get in the glass with superior fruit flavours and a lovely weight and texture!
Meet the Team
Kirsten Searle, Owner and Passionate Vintner
Kirsten’s background has given her a solid foundation to be at the helm at Matawhero. Her previous life was at Villa Maria Estate, where her passion for wines was ignited. Upon moving to Gisborne in 2002 to marry Richard (and mid-way through starting their family), her winery roots were re-activated when Matawhero became available for sale. Kirsten and Richard’s “dependents” suddenly became three children under four, a dog, a cat, a vineyard and an old winery. As with managing a family, considerable time, focus and patience are required to reintroduce a dormant yet legendary wine label back to the market.
Kim Crawford – Winemaker
