Wine, women, food and song

By MEGAN SINGLETON

Growing up in Hawke's Bay, I'm sorry to say Gisborne was synonymous with car sickness. In fact, we visited Gisborne only when rain forced us off the beach at Mahia and, consequently, the weather up the coast wasn't much better. So rainy days and gangs cruising the main street in big Valiants were the images I have carried until now.

The chardonnay capital of New Zealand is basking in attention. Gisborne has been enjoying a renaissance since it splashed on to the international scene as the first city to see the new millennium, assisted by Kiri Te Kanawa and live global television coverage.

The city has smartened itself up, cobble-stoned its streets, planted thousands of palm trees and is promoting attractions including boutique wineries and prolific chardonnay production.

A New York Times reporter even sneaked into town last month and wrote about her journey along the Pacific Coast Highway, including a stop in Gisborne. And over Labour Weekend, the annual wine and food festival will draw visitors from all around the country and further afield.

Wine boffins are used to swilling their glasses and using flowery descriptions. The never-ending quest for superlatives has led drinkers on exasperated searches for the perfect word.

But TW Wines in Gisborne has another idea. Its wines are summed up in famous women - namely Elle Macpherson, Dolly Parton and Britney Spears.

While these beauties haven't actually set foot on the golden slopes, their attributes are celebrated in bottles of chardonnay.

Tietjen Witters' '98 vintage started the celebrity ball rolling. After exhausting his vocabulary, one appreciative drinker told grower Paul Tietjen, "If this was a woman it would be Elle Macpherson".

The lingerie model, also known as The Body, was a perfect match - good length, nice legs and an exquisite body which was ageing beautifully.

The following year the challenge was on to find the perfect woman to match the '99 chardonnay. This time she was fuller styled with extra weight at the front and a smooth, rounded finish leaving a lovely memory. Dolly Parton was the obvious choice.

And when 2000 proved to be a young little number which was instantly attractive, quite tight, but opening up and beginning to show real fruitiness, Britney Spears became a smash hit and is already sold out.

A few weeks ago TW ran a competition to name its 2001 chardonnay, and when I visited last week the contenders had been narrowed down to two finalists. But even with much persuasion over a gourmet picnic and plenty of wine-tasting, Tietjen wouldn't divulge the favourites.

While the region's grapes are still tiny pre-flowering buds on the vines, Gisborne will be swamped with an influx of visitors for the annual festival this weekend. Nine venues will showcase wines from 26 growers on Sunday, with buses running between venues. Live music and entertainment and gourmet food will be featured at each venue and tickets have sold faster than for a Britney Spears concert.

Last year drew 2500 people and this year 3500 tickets have been snapped up. But don't despair: if you still want to go, Maui is offering free tickets with motorhome hire.

So instead of also trying to find accommodation this close to the event, keen tasters can hire a bed and wheels and sample some of the country's finest splashes, including newer varieties viognier, gewurztraminer and semillon. Just don't get behind the wheel ...

And as for that 2001 vintage? You heard it here: she's well balanced with a strong personality, naturally beautiful, uncomplicated and a classic. She's Demi Moore.

Case notes

The Gisborne Wine and Food Festival is being held at Labour Weekend on Sunday October 27, 10am to 6pm. Food and live entertainment are at each venue, including bands and DJs.

All tickets are sold, but the Gisborne Visitor Information Centre is holding a waiting list for cancelled or returned tickets.

Tickets are $25 each

Ph 0800 447 267

info@gisbornenz.com

* How to get there

Maui Rentals

Free festival tickets for each person travelling in the vehicle. Prices start at $103 a person for three days based on six people sharing.

Ph 0800 651 080

Maui Rentals

Air New Zealand is offering a return flight to Gisborne from Auckland. Fares start at $490 each plus taxes.

Ph 0800 737 000

Air New Zealand

* Other activities

International Chardonnay Challenge, Thursday October 24 to Saturday October 26.

Ph 027 276 5484


Wine Waiters' Race and Barrel Race, Saturday October 26, 11am, Treble Court.

Gisborne