Hawke's Bay

• Bordeaux-Style Reds (Merlot & Cabernet blends): plush dark fruit flavors (blackberry, plum), layered with sage and dried herbs; fine, dusty tannins and fresh acidity; expressive and structured, often Merlot-dominant with potential for graceful aging.
• Syrah: medium-bodied and elegant, offering juicy black cherry, blackberry, violets, white pepper, and a touch of licorice; lively acidity and subtle oak, in a fragrant, Northern Rhône-inspired style.
• Chardonnay: rich and concentrated, showcasing ripe peach, nectarine, and grapefruit; balanced by mineral freshness, creamy cashew, brioche, and restrained oak, with a lingering, elegant finish.
• Sauvignon Blanc: vibrant and zesty, with ripe tropical notes of guava, passionfruit, and mango; occasional oak influence adds complexity with elderflower and sweet herbs, maintaining lively citrus-driven acidity.
• Pinot Gris: aromatic and spicy, with bold stone fruit, floral lift, good body, and balanced freshness.
• Other Aromatics (Viognier, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc): limited-production, highly fragrant whites that bring layers of floral, citrus, and exotic spice, all underscored by the region’s hallmark purity and fresh acidity.

Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s oldest wine region, is recognized as one of the world’s Great Wine Capitals in 2023. Nestled on the sunny east coast, it boasts a warm, maritime-influenced climate perfect for grape cultivation. Spanning 4,700–5,000 hectares, the landscape includes alluvial plains, rolling hills, and river terraces, with soils from free-draining gravels to clay loams, ideal for diverse grape varieties. The maritime climate moderates temperatures, prolonging the growing season and allowing grapes to achieve optimal ripeness. With ample sunshine and cooling sea breezes, Hawke’s Bay produces wines noted for balanced acidity. This unique terroir supports elegant Bordeaux-style blends, refined Syrahs, and complex Chardonnays, alongside aromatic whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, reflecting the region’s distinctive character.

Hawke's Bay, a region steeped in wine history and innovation, is home to a variety of notable wineries that showcase its diverse terroir and winemaking expertise.

• Mission Estate: New Zealand's oldest winery, established in 1851, known for stylish reserve wines and a hilltop cellar door.
• Te Mata Estate: Established in 1896, renowned for its classic Bordeaux-style Coleraine blend and Elston Chardonnay.
• Church Road: Founded in 1897, celebrated for pioneering quality Cabernet Sauvignon and the premium Tom Cabernet/Merlot.
• Vidal Estate: Starting in 1905 and now under Villa Maria's ownership, it excels in award-winning Chardonnay and Syrah.
• Craggy Range: A family-run winery established in 1997, famed for single-vineyard wines like Le Sol Syrah and Sophia Merlot blend.
• Trinity Hill: Founded in 1993, known for Homage Syrah and exceptional Bordeaux-style reds from Gimblett Gravels.
• CJ Pask Winery: A pioneer in Gimblett Gravels since 1985, offering highly regarded Merlot blends and Syrah.
• Elephant Hill: Opened in 2003, noted for its sustainable practices and elegant Syrahs, Chardonnays, and Bordeaux blends.
• Clearview Estate: A boutique winery celebrated for rich Chardonnays and a rustic seaside tasting experience.
• Esk Valley Estate: Known for The Terraces red blend, showcasing artisanal quality from steep limestone terraces.
• Stonecroft Wines: A tiny organic producer in Gimblett Gravels, known for its boutique Syrah and Rhone-style reds.
• Bilancia: Acclaimed for La Collina Syrah from a steep hillside vineyard, run by winemakers Warren Gibson and Lorraine Leheny.
• Sileni Estates: A Bridge Pa winery that helped popularize Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris abroad.
• Supernatural Wine Co.: Producing natural/organic Sauvignon Blanc and skin-fermented whites on the hills above Hawke’s Bay.

New Zealand is at the forefront of sustainable wine production, with Hawke's Bay exemplifying this commitment. Nearly all vineyards in the region are part of the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) program, with almost universal certification. This initiative emphasizes key environmental practices such as soil health, water management, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and biodiversity. Many vineyards in Hawke’s Bay have gone beyond these requirements by adopting organic, biodynamic, and regenerative farming techniques, further enhancing the region’s reputation for environmentally conscious winemaking. In Hawke’s Bay, sustainability is integral to daily vineyard operations. The region's approach includes careful soil conservation, crucial due to the area's susceptibility to erosion. Growers employ cover crops and monitor soil health, reducing chemical use and applying only low-impact materials as necessary. Water management practices are vital, especially during the hot summers, with efficient irrigation and water recycling being standard. The focus on clean energy and waste reduction is evident, with many wineries composting grape pomace or sharing it with local farms. These practices not only protect the environment but also contribute to producing high-quality wines, reflecting the region’s distinctive character and commitment to sustainability.

Hawke's Bay, a distinguished member of the Great Wine Capitals, offers a vibrant wine tourism experience rich in history and diversity. Visitors can explore the unique blend of Napier's Art Deco charm and Hastings' agricultural heritage, providing a captivating backdrop for vineyard visits. The region's appeal is enhanced by its close proximity to urban areas, where over 30 wineries with cellar doors welcome guests to taste and purchase wines directly. These range from grand estates with in-house restaurants to intimate, family-run wineries where personal interactions with winemakers are part of the experience. The culinary offerings are just as enticing, with many wineries pairing their wines with local farm-to-table cuisine, creating a full sensory delight. For those seeking adventure, Hawke's Bay's flat terrain and pleasant weather make it ideal for exploring by bike. The well-marked Hawke's Bay Trails connect various wineries, allowing cyclists to enjoy leisurely rides through picturesque landscapes of vines, orchards, and farmland. Alternatively, guided tours by van or classic car offer a more relaxed approach, often led by knowledgeable locals who tailor the experience to specific wine preferences. The region's commitment to sustainability, evident in practices like organic farming and efficient water management, enriches the wine tourism experience, inviting visitors to appreciate the harmony between environmental stewardship and exceptional winemaking.