Matawhero: Where pioneering wine meets passion & legacy
Long before New Zealand was known globally for its wine, one bold local made a game-changing. In the late '60s - when Gisborne was all about livestock and maize - W.N. Irwin (aka Bill), a bookseller with zero vineyard experience, bought a plot of land on Riverpoint Road. People laughed. He planted vines anyway.
And that rebellious, why-not spirit? It’s still alive at Matawhero today.
Fast forward to now - the vineyard is in the hands of Kirsten and Richard Searle, a couple with passion and deep roots in the Gisborne community. Since taking over in 2008, they’ve stayed true to the Matawhero vibe: bold moves, authentic wine, and total respect for the land and its legacy. As kaitiaki (guardians) of the vineyard, they’re not just keeping the dream alive - they’re evolving it.
Matawhero is all about distinctive wines that reflect the character of the Tairāwhiti-Gisborne region - from their iconic Chardonnay to lush aromatics like Gewürztraminer and plush reds. Each bottle is a taste of local history and innovative winemaking, minus the snobbery.
But let’s rewind a sec. After Bill’s bold first steps, his son Denis took the reins, learning the ropes in South Africa and Germany before bringing that global expertise back home. In 1975, Matawhero released their first vintage - complete with a label featuring the historic Matawhero Church which survived 1800s frontier conflict and once served as a classroom. The wine world noticed, fast. The Gewürztraminer was ranked 4th at the 1975 World Wine Show in Paris, and even got poured for Queen Elizabeth II during her NZ visit. Not bad for a young winery from Gisborne.
Through the '70s and '80s, with Denis at the helm, Matawhero steered a course that led to serious international rep and a slew of awards. Swiss-born winemaker Hatch Kalberer, who went on to make his name at Fromm, joined the brigade for a few years. When Bill passed in 1985, the Bridge Estate vineyard was planted in his honour.
By 2008, Denis was ready to pass the baton - and he found the perfect fit in the Searles. The vineyard needed some TLC, but they saw its potential and knew one thing: Matawhero should stay independent, local, and real. Today, the story continues with wines that celebrate both past and present. The ‘Irwin' Chardonnay is a tribute to the fearless father-son founders. And the Church House series? Small-batch wines named after that old Matawhero Church and inspired by those who paved the way.
We caught up with Kirsten and had a few questions for her:
• Tell me a bit of your background and how/why you ended up taking over Matawhero?
My previous life was at Villa Maria Estate, where my passion for wines was ignited. Moving to Gisborne in 2002 (I completed a vintage at the former Montana winery) to marry Richard who was born and bred in Gisborne (and mid-way through starting their family), my winery roots were re-activated when Matawhero became available for sale. Our “dependents” suddenly became three children under four, a dog, a cat, a vineyard and an old winery. As with managing a family, considerable time, focus and patience is required to reintroduce a dormant, yet legendary, wine label back to the market.
• I’ve heard people say it takes a long time to get used to a vineyard - I’m guessing that you are comfortable now?
As with anything, it evolves and you keep learning and adjusting the way you farm and manage especially when you introduce new varieties and also look to climatic influences and seasonal differences.
• Would you say that Matawhero has a winemaking style/philosophy?
Yes, I would say we allow the fruit to speak for itself and use minimal winemaking intervention. For example all our aromatics from Pinot Gris to Chenin Blanc are only tank fermentation so a true expression of the flavours we get in a season. We used wild fermentation where we can with our Chardonnays. Our style is very fruit forward and expressive of the fertile soils and dry-farming techniques that 100% of our vineyards undertake.
• With a few new, smaller labels popping up in New Zealand – do you see a change in the landscape a bit?
I think that generally people are seeking a little more to New Zealand wine than Sauvignon Blanc and people like to engage with a winery that has a unique story or selling proposition. At Matawhero, we are proud of the heritage we have and celebrating 50 years of winemaking this year. We also like to showcase varieties like our famous Gewürztraminer or even Chenin Blanc, that are not mainstream. This has always been part of our fabric and the legacy that we wanted to carry on.
• What is your favourite thing to do on a day off?
Anything outdoors or active! I am an “active” relaxer. Golf, tennis or a walk with friends.
• What was your favourite travel experience?
Recently Richard and I took a small sabbatical to celebrate my 50th milestone (yes the same year as Matawhero) and we hiked 800kms (39 days) in the Pyrenees in Europe wandering through the high mountains of Spain, France and Andorra with just our backpacks and tent! It was an amazing adventure both physically and in terms of the scenery, culture and people we met. We also sampled some amazing wines along the way!
Matawhero isn’t just another wine brand. It’s about bold beginnings, local love, and wines with a real story. They celebrate their 50th Anniversary this year - and the current selection of wines are perfect for your next dinner party, backyard BBQ, or just a quiet glass while reflecting on how far a little courage (and a lot of passion) can go. Here are a few of the Glengarry staff favourites:
Matawhero Pinot Rosé 2025 is quite fruit-forward, with a bright, saline acidity. Dry but really ripe, with peach melba, glossy cherry, and a distinctive “sourdough breadcrumb” flavour. An elegant rosé with plenty going on, and a good length on the finish.
If you’re looking for a full-bodied, barrel fermented Chardonnay - Matawhero Church House Chardonnay 2024 is it. Quite boisterous and vivacious – brimming with stone fruit and citrus. Acidity is bright, spun around a core of pithy fruit tannin and warm, nutty wood. Generous, textural and creamy.
From the Tietjen vineyard in Gisborne - Matawhero Church House Malbec Merlot 2024 shows a deep purple/magenta colour. Bold aromas of damson, blackberry, cherry, liquorice, mocha, cinnamon and woody herbs. A plush palate shows fine tannins and rustic, succulent flavours.
Matawhero Pinot Gris 2025 comes from a dry-farmed single vineyard and is a pure expression of the varietal, with signature pear, honeysuckle, ginger and apple pie aromas and flavours. A touch of pithy phenolics, and an off-dry swathe of golden sweetness rounds out an elegant palate.
