Setting
Nestled in the heart of the Patutahi plateau, Kirkpatrick Estate’s cellar door is an intimate space for serious wine tasting. The surrounding grounds have been beautifully set up for visitors with cushion-strewn couches on a sunny terrace, complete with tables overlooking the surrounding vineyards. This spot Exploring the region benefits from all-day sun, making it a truly enticing place to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Things To Know
This is very much a family business, owned and operated by Simon Kirkpatrick but with plenty of help from his 13-year-old twins and the wider Kirkpatrick family who have lived in the area for generations. Simon, or Kirky as he is known, does everything from managing the vineyard, assisting winemaker Chris Hunt and of course greeting visitors along with cellar door manager Janine Christensen. The KEW range includes a barrel-fermented and unoaked chardonnay, gewurtztraminer, viognier, plus merlot, malbec, wild rosé and fortified merlot. Although reds are often held back until they are ready to release to the market, barrel samples are happily offered. Visitors can match tastings with customised platters and choose from an extensive list of delectable treats to suit their taste.

Our Picks
The reserve chardonnay under the Kirky Signature label (named after Simon’s uncle, legendary All Black flanker Ian Kirkpatrick) is simply excellent. The wild rosé is also a summer favourite.

Plus
While it’s a little bit of a drive from Gisborne CBD to Kirkpatrick Estate Winery, make the most of your journey by continuing on to the world-famous Rere Rockslide (take an inflatable mattress, inner tube or boogie board) before heading to Eastwoodhill Arboretum.