Hawke’s Bay’s well established wine tourism trail also showcases the region’s Art Deco architecture (mainly in Napier city) and artisan producers.
Hawke’s Bay’s benign climate and high sunshine have long established the region as ideal for fruit growing. Vines were first planted in 1851 by Marist missionaries (their legacy is Taradale’s historic Mission Winery) and Hawke’s Bay enjoys a significant international reputation for producing some of the country’s best wines, red and white.
A relatively large and diverse region capable of producing a wide range of varieties to a very high standard, Hawke’s Bay is best known for its Red Blends and Chardonnay but aromatic whites are consistently good and Syrah is incredibly impressive.
The climate and lengthy growing season also allows regular production of successful dessert styles. New varieties are continually trialled.
The numerous wineries and vineyards encompass both large multi-regional entities and tiny family-owned boutique producers; all share a commitment to making great wine.
With its lengthy history and verdant, productive landscape, Hawke’s Bay is home to an outstanding wine tourism culture and offers a wide variety of cellar door experiences as well as regular food and wine festivals.
Very sunny, with heat summations somewhere between Burgundy and Bordeaux, the maritime influence tempers hot summer days and permits a long growing season. The surrounding high country offers wind protection though frost can be an isolated risk in some inland areas. Cooler, wet weather can occasionally pose problems in the growing season but free-draining soils help reduce its impact.
Coastal Areas
Bordeaux style blends are highly successful, producing wines of great power, elegance and longevity. Merlot is increasingly the higher percentage in blends, offering rich, plummy depths.
Wines are full-bodied, lengthy, almost opulent but with finely-tuned acidity balancing the richness.
Rich, tree fruit-laden wines, underpinned by bright acidity, they often see a degree of oak fermentation or maturation.
Pinot Gris
Aromatic, spicy, bold ripe wines with balanced acidity and good body.
Wines are perfumed, elegant with ripe fruit, supple tannins and lingering spice.
Varietal aromatics of cherry, berry fruits, plum, florals and spice, through to more savoury and earthy examples, all with beautifully soft and supple tannins and great richness of flavour.
