Tiritiri Vineyard is New Zealand's smallest vineyard covering only 0.27 ha(0.67 acre). Hidden away in the Gisborne ranges, this family-run vineyard sits by the Waimata River, in a natural amphitheatre. The vineyard is part of a 9.1ha property, which also produces olives, pecans and hazelnuts, plus myriads of other fruit trees.

A small experimental block of 250 mendoza chardonnay vines were planted in 1994. To reduce the risk of disease, the grapes were trained onto a Scott-Henry trellising system and a very open crop canopy maintained throughout the season. The open canopy encourages light and air through the vines and allows the sun to play on the grapes all year-round. Daytime temperatures are usually higher and nightime temperatures lower than those found on the Gisborne flats. This wide diurnal variation enhances the intensity and flavours of the grapes. This, and the unique "terroir", helps to produce a wine that is distinctive from those normally found in the Gisborne region.

The first modest vintage of just two barrels of wine was produced in 1998. Further plantings of grapes were made in 1998 when three hundred more plants of Clone 15 chardonnay were added to the vineyard. There is room for further plantings to a maximum of 0.6ha.