Signs all good for Gisborne grape vintage

The 2025 grape harvest has been in full swing for three weeks.

The 2025 grape harvest has been under way for nearly three weeks and GisVin chief winemaker and Gisborne Winegrowers chairman Mark Thompson says the crop has been coming in “thick and fast”.

Harvest started across the region the week of February 22.

“Following a challenging start to the growing season in 2025, the region’s grape crops have stood up surprisingly well,” Thompson said.

So far so good for the 2025 wine vintage in this area with great flavours and acid balance showing up in the chardonnay grapes harvested to date.

“Yields are about average, with some quality parcels of fruit.”

The pinot gris variety had been of a particularly good quality, he said.

“The chardonnay that will go to Gisborne’s premium labels in 2025 will be of outstanding quality, showing great flavour and acid balance.

“Here’s to some more fine weather to finish off the last of harvest 2025.”

It's all go for the region's grape growers as the annual harvest rolls along at speed.

The last of the region’s grapes will be picked in April.