The Chardonnay Affair Rendezvous on The Chardonnay Express: CANCELLED

Celebrate International Chardonnay Day 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 the musical talent of Tairawhiti born Miss Pou, a young, bilingual, talented, up and coming singer/songwriter who will be performing for the afternoon. Miss Pou has a dream to share her music with the world. While she may be young, she has a big voice, plenty of determination and talent to match her dream.

GEM Cuisine AKA Green Eyed Monster Cuisine will be serving up beautiful kai fusions such as prawn cocktails, lamb koftas, smoked salmon and so much more to keep you going through your glorious Chardonnay tasting experience at the Muriwai stop.

Dress – wine country casual.

Ticket includes The Chardonnay Express, tasting card and brochure, a glass of bubbles on the train, a tasting of classic Chardonnays paired with beautiful morsels by GEM Cuisine. 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.