A very warm welcome to
Hawke’s Bay Wine
Hawke’s Bay is best known for superb Red Blends, notable Syrah, and equally impressive Chardonnay.
Hawke’s Bay is a relatively large and diverse region capable of producing a wide range of varieties to a very high standard. Approximately 90% of New Zealand’s Syrah, Cabernets and Merlot are produced here.
Nonetheless, aromatic whites are consistently good and plantings of Pinot Noir at inland cooler, higher altitude sites are showing great results. New varieties are continually trialled, with a total of 38 varietals currently being produced.
Vines were first planted in Hawke’s Bay back in 1851 by French Missionaries who established Mission Estate.
By the early 20th century, Mission Estate, Te Mata Estate (1896), Vidal Estate (1905), McDonalds Winery (1897 – Church Road) and Glenvale Winery (1933 – Esk Valley Winery) were all established, confirming Hawke’s Bay as a pioneering, innovative wine region. Those pioneers continue to provide inspiration for the current generation of Hawke’s Bay winemakers.
Upcoming
Wine Events
Here is a list of events and experiences that Hawke’s Bay Wine is organizing or taking part in.
Thursday 13th August to Sunday 7th February 2021
Hawke’s Bay Wine Cellar Door – Corner of Heretaunga and Warren Street, Hastings. Thursdays to Sundays. Check out our virtual tour here.
Where is Hawke’s Bay?
Hawke’s Bay Region covers a total land area of 14,641 sq. km with 350km of Pacific Ocean coastline.
The earliest vineyards in Hawke’s Bay were established on the coast and in areas close to the towns of Napier, Havelock North and Hastings. Later development extended to the Heretaunga Plains and more recently to the edges of the alluvial plains and extend up the region’s river valleys. Smaller plantings are exploring hillside sites around the fringes of the Heretaunga Plains as well as higher altitude sites of inland Central Hawke’s Bay.
Over thousands of years, four major Hawke’s Bay rivers moved and formed valleys and terraces to create over 25 different soil types from clay loam, to limestone, to sands and free draining gravels, and red metal. From North to South, the rivers are Esk, Tūtaekurī, Ngaruroro and Tukituki.
Altitude within Hawke’s Bay ranges from sea level to several hundred metres inland.
01.
Our part of the world
Our Terroir
Hawke’s Bay’s temperate climate and plentiful sunshine make the region ideal for fruit-growing.
02.
New Zealand’s oldest wine region
Our Producers
Hawke’s Bay is home to over 100 wine producers, large and small, producing a diverse array of premium wines and styles.
03.
Plan your visit
Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is home to an outstanding wine tourism culture and offers a wide variety of experiences as well as regular food and wine festivals.
Cellar doors, winery restaurants, vineyard accommodation, and wine experiences are all available. This is a dream destination for wine lovers, easily accessible via air or road.
The region offers a plethora of ways to experience the highly-accoladed wines of the region, from well-developed cycle trails, to architecture and wine tours in classic cars.
04.
Looking after our land and our people
Kaitiaki
A kaitiaki (ky-tee-a-kee) is a person or group that is recognised as a guardian by the tangata whenua Māori.
All members of New Zealand Winegrowers are responsible for ensuring the sustainability of the wine industry so consider themselves to be kaitiaki, protecting the places that create their exceptional wines.