Wine and Food Festival Gisborne 2024

The 2024 Gisborne Wine and Food Festival, also known as the First Light Wine & Food Festival, is set to be a highlight of Labour Weekend in Gisborne, offering attendees a chance to enjoy local wine, food, and live entertainment in stunning vineyard settings. This year’s festival takes place on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with events hosted at two prominent wineries: TW Wines and Matawhero Wines.

Event Highlights:

• Wine & Food: Attendees can indulge in award-winning wines from Gisborne’s finest vineyards and enjoy delicious local cuisine from a variety of food vendors. Expect to sample wines such as Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Syrah, and Pinot Gris, alongside gourmet food offerings like Japanese street food, smoked meats, and more.
• Live Entertainment: The festival will feature live bands playing throughout the day, providing the perfect soundtrack to your afternoon of wine tasting and relaxation.
• Tickets: General admission tickets include access to the venues, a souvenir wine glass, and complimentary bus transport from central Gisborne. VIP tickets offer additional perks such as priority seating and bar access.
• Transportation: A complimentary bus service will shuttle attendees between the venues and central Gisborne throughout the day, ensuring everyone can enjoy the festival without worrying about driving.

Food Vendors:

Good Day Dumpling:  Featuring delicious homemade Japanese Street food.  Usually found at the Gisborne Farmers Market on a Saturday morning or beside the Gisborne skatepark most evenings.  Check them out here on Instagram

The Mexican By Kihini Catering:  Mexican food made with love! Enjoy some incredible dishes including tacos, quesadillas, nachos, corn fritters and burritos. Everyone loved Kihini at the 2023 Gizzy Wine and Food Festival and so they are back!  Check out Kihini Catering here on Facebook or here on the Gisborne Farmer's Market website

Image from Gisborne Farmer's Market https://www.gisbornefarmersmarket.co.nz/our-stalls/kihini-catering/

BBQ Pitstop:  Authentic low and slow wood fire BBQ Brisket, Pulled Pork, Smoked Ribs, Burgers, Loaded Fries and more!!!

Check out the BBQ Pitstop website here

Vineyards

Matawhero Wines:

The Matawhero journey started with two New Zealand wine pioneers from the 1960s. Today the story continues around the drive and determination of Kirsten and Richard Searle, who have continued to develop the iconic winery and share the distinctive wine styles of the Gisborne region.

The Matawhero winery and vineyards were purchased by Kirsten and Richard Searle in 2008 from New Zealand pioneer winemaker Denis Irwin. After a rigorous process on Denis’s part to ensure that the baton was being passed to someone equally as passionate about wine and the region as he was, he willed us on and the hard work began replanting and revitalising the historic winery.

Their love of the region runs deep, Richard grew up here and with a family history of growing grapes they wouldn’t want to be doing anything else!

Matawhero will celebrate their 50th year in 2025.

TW Wines:

Paul Tietjen and Geordie Witters began the TW business in 1998. Their wines epitomise what the world has come to expect of New Zealand wine – power, complexity, elegance and excellent cellaring potential.

TW Wines are grown and hand-crafted along The Golden Slope, Gisborne’s very own Côte d’Or…Gisborne is well known as New Zealand’s Chardonnay Capital and this narrow, five-kilometre strip from Ormond to Hexton, has given rise to most of Gisborne’s Gold Medal winning Chardonnays.

Two good friends, Paul Tietjen and Geordie Witters, have vineyards on these golden slopes. Their wines epitomise what the world has come to expect of New Zealand wine – power, complexity, elegance and excellent cellaring potential.

Since the 1989 vintage, our two vineyards have won 39 national and international medals.

TW Wines are celebrating their 25th year in 2024.

Preparing for the Festival:

With Gisborne’s typically sunny weather during Labour Weekend, it's essential to dress comfortably for a day outdoors. Blitz Surf Shop, located right in Gisborne, has everything you need to gear up for the event. From straw hats , sunscreen and sunglasses to protect you from the sun, to comfortable jandals, including popular brands like Quiksilver, Reef, and Billabong, Blitz Surf Shop has you covered. You can also find new season summer dresses , shirts, and surfwear to look and feel great while sipping wine in the vineyards.

Wanting some unique coastal inspired jewellery for the event then check out our friend's locally owned new business Lulasea Jewellery

If you're attending the festival and want to shop locally before the event, Blitz Surf Shop is your go-to destination for both functional and fashionable gear. Our selection ensures you’ll be well-prepared for a day of fun under the sun, all while supporting local businesses. You can visit their online store at www.blitzsurf.co.nz or stop by our Gisborne shop at 34 Wainui Road, near the wharf entrance.

If you want a break from eating and drinking and want to go and make the most of Gisborne's beautiful beaches then we have you covered for surfboard hire in Gisborne

Local Businesses and Impact:

The festival not only celebrates Gisborne’s rich winemaking heritage but also shines a spotlight on the region’s local businesses, from wineries to food vendors and transport services. With thousands of attendees expected, the event provides a significant boost to the local economy, drawing visitors to Gisborne’s beautiful beaches, restaurants, and shops​. 

This event is the perfect opportunity to experience the best of Gisborne’s hospitality and take part in a fun-filled weekend of wine, food, and sun.