Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s second-largest wine-producing area and the oldest in the country.
Hawke’s Bay is well recognised as New Zealand’s premier agricultural region, supplying the country with various healthy fruits and vegetables for export. The place experiences longer sunny hours and moderate rainfall and is widely covered with alluvial soil, making the region ideal for horticulture.
Moreover, Hawke’s Bay has a variety of soil suitable for grape cultivation, which has helped it to rise to prominence as a top-tier wine producer. Hawke’s Bay is home to some of the best vineyards in the world.
Despite the rich culture of the Kiwis, Hawke’s Bay winemakers are open to the traditions and regulations of the Old World when it comes to growing grapes. This has earned them a place among the leading winemakers in the world.
Here’s a rundown of some of the wineries and wares you might encounter in Hawke’s Bay.
1. Brookfields Vineyards
Hawke’s Bay is home to the laidback (yet spectacular) Brookfields Vineyards, run by a family. This business opened its doors in 1937, making it the oldest boutique winery in the area.
Brookefields is an excellent option whether you want to enjoy a meal or join the staff for a wine-tasting event from the cellar door (with plenty of tins, rosé, whites, reds, and chocolate to showcase the best in the reds).
They offer a beautiful, laid-back atmosphere, sitting inside and out in the yard (where they occasionally have live music on Saturdays).
2. Mission Estate Winery
Mission Estate is a must-go destination for any wine enthusiast. Mission Estate is the first winery in Nz, having opened in 1851, and is also considered the cradle of Nz wine.
Its cellar door is in a stunningly renovated landmark that overlooks the vineyards, the ocean, and beyond. Schedule your visit during the middle of the day to enjoy lunch on the sunny terrace. The modern, exquisite cuisine at Mission Estate Restaurant features the greatest locally sourced ingredients.
This winery is a terrific option for a leisurely afternoon in Napier because of its excellent reputation for producing high-quality wines at affordable pricing.
You can see the entire city of Napier and the surrounding beaches from here. Dining at Mission Estate on the sunny terrace outside or in the chic interior is a pleasure.
3. Church Road Winery
This winery has six distinct wine labels under its umbrella. Despite producing a wide range of wines, every one of Church Road’s wines is high-quality and distinctive. Syrah, Chardonnay, and blended reds are some of their top wines.
With wine tastings starting at just $10 per person, this is one of Napier’s most reasonably priced tourist destinations.
Church Road is also known for its excellent wine selection and delectable cuisine.
The outlook is fantastic, and there’s also a sizable pool of candidates (which is excellent for youngsters to run and play around on). You may also find picnic supplies on Church Road, making this an ideal location for a picnic.
4. Crab Farm Winery
This place is perfect for those looking for a place with a twist.
Crab Farm, just outside of Napier, is a small family-run winery and restaurant famous for serving up some of the most delicious meals and best wines in New Zealand.
They have three vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, and since their debut vintage in 1987, Crab Farm has expanded its selection to include a wide variety of wines.
In addition to being a great spot to eat, their restaurant is also great for a nightcap.
Its dining area is the only one in Hawke’s Bay with a blazing fire pit (ideal for those cold days in winter), a bright courtyard, and a treehouse.
Relax on a Thai triangle pillow while sipping wine and nibbling on a dish expertly complemented by your drink.
5. Linden Estate Winery
This winery is located on the escarpment above the Esk Valley. The climate around this location is ideal for the cultivation of grapes, which Linden Estate then uses to manufacture some of the best wines in New Zealand.
Linden Estate grows a wide range of grapes to make premium wines in tiny plots.
Spread across over 15 ha of land; these things are cultivating:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Syrah
- Merlot
- Albariño
- Tannat
- Pinotage
- Pinot Gris
- Chardonnay
- Cabernet Franc
- Gewurztraminer
- Cabernet Sauvignon
They have great lunch and supper options, as well as excellent wine.
It’s impossible to top the fresh ingredients and bold flavours in this picturesque area of Hawke’s Bay.
6. Vidal Estate
While the wines produced on the Vidal Estate are authentic and high quality, the fine dining there draws in the crowds. Besides being one of New Zealand’s first winery restaurants, Vidal Estate is renowned for its excellent cuisine, prepared with the best seasonal ingredients. In addition to formal wine tastings, the winery hosts casual wine testing.
7. The Urban Winery
This winery is a must-see if you’re in the area of Hawke’s Bay, although Ahuriri might be one of many spots that spring to mind when you think of vineyards. The Urban Winery is famous for its chardonnay and is the home of Tony Bish Wines, in addition to a gorgeous cellar door and wine bar.
The wine is excellent, and the platters are worth a visit on their own. The lawn is perfect for relaxing with friends on a beautiful day.
8. Black Barn Vineyards
Black Barn should be at the top of the list of wineries to visit for both food and wine enthusiasts. The boutique winery and cafe, located only five minutes outside Havelock North Village, is home to some of the most incredible meals and beverages in the area.
Most of Black Barn’s finest wines are only accessible through the cellar door, café, and private retreats. Wines of great complexity and nuance result from their expert winemaking technique and the careful selection of fruit at peak ripeness.
Unfortunately, a fire broke out at the beginning of 2022, severely devastating Black Barn Vineyards.
The Black Barn’s lunch menu and wine selection were perennial favourites for many people living in or visiting the area.
Wine sales, takings, and pick-your-own plates are available every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. They also occasionally bring out a food truck. You may relax and enjoy your meal or drink while enjoying the stunning scenery.
Locals love the summertime growers’ market that is held there.
9. Craggy Range Winery
This is one of the best destinations for wine enthusiasts. Craggy Range is also an excellent dining place, with one of the best views in New Zealand. And dine sessions with a view; then you must be at Craggy Range.
With Te Mata Peak in the background, Craggy Range is home to some of the world’s finest in the country and an award-winning eatery, Craggy Range Restaurant, which offers local produce in the most inventive manner.
It’s no secret that this establishment is regarded as one of Hawke’s Bay’s finest eateries and vineyards.
You can spend a relaxing afternoon here appreciating the cosy atmosphere, beautiful view, unique sculptures (including a well-known work by Paul Dibble), and excellent wine selection.
10. Askerne Winery
Askerne Winery is a vineyard and winery in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay. Brian and Lorraine Bowering established the winery in 1993 and continue to run it now. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon are just a few of the grapes used to make world-class wines at the renowned Askerne Winery.
The winery has been recognised by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand for its dedication to environmentally friendly farming methods and the success of its vineyard management strategies. In addition to wine tastings, guests can tour the vineyards and winery at Askerne.
11. Clearview Estate Winery & Restaurant
Clearview Winery and Restaurant on the Kidnapper’s Coast has been a favourite of locals and visitors for over 30 years. The building that now houses the cellar entrance in Hastings was once a Ford Motors service centre.
Adding old red bricks, cherished antiques, and repurposed native timber from the long-demolished Napier railway sheds has helped it become a popular tourist attraction for wine enthusiasts worldwide. The seasonal menu, which focuses on brunch and lunch, showcases inventive dishes made with locally sourced ingredients from Hawke’s Bay.
12. Elephant Hill
Like all the best spots in Hawke’s Bay, Elephant Hill truly lives up to its monstrous moniker. This stunning winery is more than just an aesthetic treat; it also serves delicious cuisine and wine. Elephant Hill is well-known for its carefully produced chardonnays and syrahs, both of which aspire to be balanced and exquisite expressions of their respective regions.
The chic setting is ideal for taking it easy on a warm day. The finest seasonal fruits and vegetables are included in the on-site restaurant, all of which are acquired from local farmers and producers who share the hotel’s commitment to providing only the best.
Final Thought
The wines of New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay region are among the best in the world. Many different wineries, both well-known and newer ones, can be found here. The 12 wineries featured here provide a unique experience, from small, family-run boutiques to grand estates with breathtaking architecture and panoramic vistas.
These wineries create some of the world’s best Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon by emphasising environmental responsibility and technological advancement. Hawke’s Bay wineries are fantastic destinations for anyone looking for a relaxing and pleasurable day trip, regardless of their interest in wine.