Waimata Vineyard
Hidden in the hills east of Gisborne, on a gravel terrace, by a winding lazily flowing river lies a special vineyard. It is called Waimata.
It is a secluded, tranquil location where the peace is only broken by the honking of geese, gobbling of turkeys, persistent hum of beneficial insects. The hills surrounding the vineyard form a natural amphitheatre with an ancient fig tree taking centre stage. Unique geography and topography contribute to this vineyard being like no other in the Gisborne region or the country.
Waimata vineyard is a learning experience - for both students and tutors of Tairawhiti Polytechnic's Wine Industry Training Programme. Students gain invaluable knowledge and experience as they tend the vineyard and "learn the ropes" of the wine growing industry. Through the annual growth cycle of the vines students are constantly having their eyes opened to a growing experience, no matter if it's cold and wet or blisteringly hot.
Viticulture comes easy in this high sunshine hour mesoclimate. Spring rains provide the impetus for new seasons growth and a warm, dry summer ensures full flavours in the ripe fruit. The vineyard employs a wide range of canopy management techniques all providing subtle nuances of flavour. Integrated winegrape production techniques combined with innovative new ideas provide a sound framework for the future of the vineyard and the surrounding environment.

"Peaceful, hard yakka, fresh air, open spaces, new experiences and a sense of pride." These are but a handful of words the wine students of Tairawhiti Polytechnic use to describe Waimata Vineyard. This vineyard is where the students of today, put to use the knowledge and skills they are constantly learning from their wise and patient tutors, in order to become the winemakers of tomorrow.
Contact
Phone: +64 6 8672010
Fax: +64 6 8686606
Postal
Address: 		PO Box 640
Delivery
Address: 		Tairawhiti Polytechnic
Staff
Owner: Tarawhiti Polytechnic
Manager: Gary Quinn
Marketing: Gary Quinn
Production Manager: Gary Jones
Winemaker: James Hillard
Viticulturist: James Hillard
Producer Details
Opening Hours: By appointment
Vineyards: 2
Production: 800
Winery Tours: No
Sales
Cellar Door: Yes
Internet: Yes
Direct Mail: Yes
Via Retailers: Yes
Wines from this Producer
Waimata Chardonnay | 2002 | 2000
Waimata Merlot | 2000
Waimata Merlot Malbec | 2002
Waimata Unoaked Chardonnay | 2003
Waimata Unoaked Gisborne Chardonnay | 2004
Waimata Vineyards Chardonnay | 2002