The FESTIVAL VENUE
The FESTIVAL WINES
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.
The FESTIVAL FOODIES
We are excited to have three fantastic foodies joining the line up at the First Light Wine & Food Festival…
GOOD DAY DUMPLING
Good Day Dumpling serves inclredible Japanese street food, loved in Gisborne . All homemade from local ingredients.
-Pork & Beef Panfried Dumpling
-Pork & Shrimp Steamed Dumpling
-Vegetarian Dumpling
-Chicken Spring Roll
-Vegetarian Spring Roll
-Japanese Fried Chicken
-Sushi
-Miso Soup
THE MEXICAN by KIHINI CATERING
Mexican food made with love! Enjoy some incredible dishes including tacos, quesadillas, nachos, corn fritters and burritos. Everyone love Kihini at our 2023 Festival and so they are back - ready to treat the wonderful First Light Wine & Food guests!
Burittos - pork, chicken or vege
Quesadilla - pork, chicken, vege
Tacos - pork, chicken, vege
Nachos
Corn Fritters
BBQ PITTSTOP
Authentic low and slow wood fire BBQ Brisket, Pulled Pork, Smoked Ribs, Burgers, Loaded Fries and more!!!
Smoked Pork Ribs
Smoked Brisket
Smoked Pulled Pork
Smoked Pitstop Sausages
"BBQ Pitstop are Authentic American BBQ specialists, offering delicious slow-smoked meats such as Texas-style brisket, pulled pork, juicy smoked St Louis pork ribs, crispy tender Southern fried chicken, and handmade authentic South African sausages. BBQ Pitstop uses only the finest quality meats, slow-cooked with care on a 500-gallon reverse flow offset smoker powered by real wood. Online orders can be made on our ordering App. The food truck runs almost every day. Catering - BBQ Pitstop is the premium choice for catering in the Eastern Bay, and the only choice if you are looking to wow your guests at your next event. Offering full buffet catering for large events and party platters for smaller events."