The Chardonnay Affair Rendezvous on The Chardonnay Express

Celebrate International Chardonnay Weekend aboard the historic steam train WA 165 as you wind your way from Gisborne railway station through the countryside to Muriwai. The steamy train ride offers you the opportunity to connect with the clever winemakers who craft these delicious classic Chardonnays.

The train ride is pulled and shunted by the only surviving WA Class steam locomotive in the world. WA165 was built 1897 in N.Z. Rail’s Dunedin workshops, (one of 11 built between 1892 and 1903), and was retired in 1957, eventually ending up at Young Nick’s Playground in Awapuni Road, Gisborne in 1968. In 1986 a group of Gisborne rail enthusiasts removed WA165 for restoration and was finished and fired up in 1997 with its first commercial trip on Labour Weekend 2000. The train’s route passes many historical Gisborne sites and uniquely, in the Southern Hemisphere, crosses the runway of Gisborne Airport, as well as the restored and raised Waipaoa Bridge. Also fully and beautifully restored are the carriages that passengers are taken in.

During the afternoon, enjoy music by **Annabelle & Ash, an acoustic music duo who have recently settled in rural Gisborne. Ash, originally from Wellington & Annabelle a Gisborne girl. Annabelle & Ash play their own original music, and have over 400 cover songs of all styles, making each one their own and adapting to every setting. We also have the amazing GEM Cuisine team serving up beautiful kai fusions to keep you going through your glorious Chardonnay tasting experience.

Dress – wine country casual.

Tickets include: The Chardonnay Express, tasting card and brochure, a glass of bubbles, live music, a tasting of classic Chardonnays and catering by GEM Cuisine.

Access for the Gisborne Railway Station is the beach end of Grey Street, Awapanui. Coming from town, the driveway is on the lefthand side just before Toll. Follow the driveway past the Railway Station and park on the grass area.

To celebrate International Chardonnay Day, The Gisborne Classic Chardonnay Group, a group formed to promote classic oak barrel fermented and aged Chardonnay, has chosen to host an annual weekend of events (always commencing with International Chardonnay Day) celebrating all things Chardonnay for Gisborne and our visitors.