Nestled amongst the scenic hillsides of the Ormond Valley 15 minutes south of Gisborne is the home of Geoff and Nicola Wright, owners and operators of the boutique vineyard known as Wrights Vineyard and Winery. Nicola and Geoff, although trained in other professions, have become specialists in producing handcrafted organic wines with minimal additives using grapes grown in a biodynamic way.
The Vineyards
First established in 2000, the Wrights now operate three vineyards over a total of 45 acres, as well as the winery and a cellar door café.
The Terrace Vineyard. Painstakingly hand carved from a north facing hillside in 2005, the Terrace Vineyard sits within the famous Ormond Valley grape growing region, alongside the Ormond Valley Road. Along with several varieties of grapes the hillside is also home to 400 Olive Trees.
The Valley Vineyard. Set at the base of the Ormond Valley, the Valley Vineyard is exposed to a unique micro climate, with temperatures a few degrees colder in winter and hotter in summer. These temperature variations result in lovely rich, balanced wines.
The Coastal Vineyard. Located on Wharerata Road at Manutuke within New Zealand’s oldest wine growing region, the vineyard is blessed with stunning views out to the famous landmark of Young Nick’s Head and towards Poverty Bay.
The Cellar Door. The Wrights Vineyard Cellar Door is a great place to plan a relaxing stop on your travels throughout the Gisborne area. A children’s playground, featuring a jungle gym, swings and a sandpit is sure to keep the kids occupied while you enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the Cellar Door Café. Choose from a good selection of platters, fresh baking and gourmet pizzas and of course the extensive range of wines. The Cellar Door is also open for wine tastings by appointment or during regular cellar door hours.
The Philosophy
The Wrights family wines are created with the aim of producing quality sustainable wines with little or no additives using natural farming principles. This includes using no animal products in the wine production process making Wrights Wines vegan and vegetarian friendly.
Promoting bio-diversity and simplicity, the Wrights place focus on finding eco-friendly alternatives to the fungicides, insecticides and herbicides commonly associated with wine making, and in fact make their own natural Seaweed, Stinging Nettle and Comfry foliar spray. The three ingredients are collected locally and fermented together for a period of 1 to 2 months. The solution is then watered down and applied to the foliage, resulting in healthier, stronger growth and best of all its completely natural.
The Wines
Wrights Vineyard grapes are grown as ethically and environmentally friendly as possible and are certified organic by AsureQuality. The wines are vegan and certified vegetarian by the NZ Vegetarian Society as well as being low allergen. Wrights specialise in Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Methode Traditionnelle but also produce high quality Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc to name a few.
Wrights wine is marketed under two brands, the innovative Wrights premium range which is generally fermented in oak barrels and includes Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Methode Traditionnelle, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Fume Blanc, Semillon, Syrah, Verjuice and Viognier. The more recent Natural Wine Co brand which includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Rose and Pinot Gris is said to showcase what New Zealand is all about. Wrights also produce some divine Olive Oil sourced from their own Olive tree orchard planted on the Terrace Vineyard.
Getting There
The Wrights Vineyard and Winery Cellar Door are situated at 1093 Wharerata Road, Manutuke, Gisborne, approximately 15 minutes drive from central Gisborne. Heading west out of the city make your way on to State Highway 2, stay on the highway as it crosses the Waipaoa River and then veers sharply towards the south, on your left roughly four minutes along Wharerata Road you will find the Wrights Vineyard and Winery.
Affordable Accommodation In Gisborne
Looking for accommodation nearby when visiting the Wrights Vineyard and Winery? Motel Oasis provides comfortable, premium value Gisborne accommodation for travellers, families and business people. Free WiFi, air conditioning, PlayStation console and Sky TV are just a few of the great reasons to book your stay at Motel Oasis Gisborne. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with the beautiful rural outlook, yet be only five minutes from the restaurants and central shopping area of Gisborne. Motel Oasis – the perfect choice for accommodation in Gisborne.