The second largest winegrowing region in New Zealand on the east coast of North Island south of Gisborne. Sub-areas include Gimblett Gravels (with around 800 hectares) and Ngatarawa Triangle. The vineyards cover 4,786 hectares of mostly lowland vines on fertile alluvium, gravel and clay. The soils are equally well suited for white and red wines. Chardonnay and Merlot are the two most common grape varieties; Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec (Cot), Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah are also grown. It is the driest region in the country with the highest number of hours of sunshine, so many vineyards rely on artificial irrigation. Well-known producers are Brookfields, Corbans, Craggy Range, Goldwater Estate, Kemblefield, Matariki, Mission Estate, Montana Wines, Morton Estate, Ngatarawa, Nobilo, Sacred Hill, Stonecroft, Te Mata, Trinity Hill, Vidal Estate, Villa Maria.
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Technischer Lehrer, staatl. geprüfter Sommelier, Hotelfachschule Heidelberg