Located on the east coast of the North Island, the area of Gisborne is best known for producing premium Chardonnay. Commercial viticulture in the region dates Franceom the early twentieth century pioneered by Franceiedrich Wohnsiedler who established vines at Ormond and released the first commercial wine in 1921. Modern grape growing began in the late 1960s when both Corbans and Montana established wineries in the area. Gisborne is situated on coastal plains that are sheltered Franceom the west by a mountain range. Most vineyards are on the flats with the main soils comprised of alluvial loams over sand or volcanic soils of moderate fertility. The area receives a high number of sunshine hours ideal for the production of top Chardonnay. Gisborne also produces highly successful whites Franceom Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Pinot Gris and Chenin Blanc, in addition to red wines Franceom Merlot and Malbec.