In our latest three-part series on Hawke’s Bay, we delve into everything this beautiful destination has to offer, from world-class wine to delicious food, exciting happenings, and all of the most special places to stay. Offering a truly multi-faceted experience to anyone who visits, Hawke’s Bay will quickly feel like a home away from home — provided you know all the best places to go. That’s where we come in.
Hawke’s Bay has far more to offer than food and wine alone — although, it does both of those things very well indeed. So well, in fact, that the region was recently awarded one of the world’s most immense accolades for wine tourism destinations. Joining the likes of Bordeaux in the southwest of France and San Francisco’s Napa Valley, Hawke’s Bay is the newest Great Wine Capital of the world — a feat only 12 global wine tourism destinations currently hold.
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More than simply a nod to the wine produced within these locales, this ranking recognises the entirety of the regions as the world’s top wine-focussed destinations globally — taking into account every facet of the holiday experience, from vineyards to eateries, accommodation to entertainment, and everything in between.
As the oldest wine-growing region in New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay has long-been dubbed New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country, boasting a mix of renowned international wine brands as well as innovative, independent winemakers turning out exceptional drops.
For those not familiar with the sun-soaked region, it incorporates two vibrant twin cities — Hastings and Napier. The Art Deco Capital of the World, Napier, sits along the coast, while, Hastings — the historic and artistic heart of Hawke’s Bay, sits inland — both holding their own with world-class experiences that embrace the surrounding beauty and showcase the warm hospitality and laid-back essence our country is best know for.
For visitors to this region, we suggest planning your trip around the myriad exquisite wineries — each with their own, unique offerings, which we’ve rounded up a selection of below. Salute.
Mission Estate Winery
Mission Estate Winery, established in 1851 by French missionaries, is New Zealand’s oldest winery, where rich history and refined winemaking traditions collide. Nestled in an elegantly restored seminary with views over lush vines and the Napier coast, Mission Estate offers a unique experience. Visitors can explore an extensive wine collection, indulge in local cuisine at the renowned restaurant, spend the night in the boutique accommodations, and immerse in the legacy that crafted New Zealand’s earliest wines.
Church Road Winery
Church Road Winery, established in 1897, stands as a pioneering force in New Zealand winemaking, celebrated for crafting the country’s first Bordeaux-style reds. Nestled in historic Hawke’s Bay, this storied vineyard merges tradition with innovation, offering visitors an immersive experience — from intimate tastings in its atmospheric museum to indulgent dining at Orton’s restaurant. With over 125 years of heritage, Church Road honours a legacy of excellence in every bottle.
Elephant Hill
Perched on the stunning Te Awanga coast, Elephant Hill is a boutique winery celebrated for its artisanal approach to winemaking. Here, the hand-picked grapes from three distinct Hawke’s Bay vineyards embody the rich soils and varied microclimates of this world-renowned region. Against a backdrop of serene ocean views and architecturally striking estate buildings, Elephant Hill crafts elegant, terroir-driven wines that capture the nuanced beauty of each vintage with finesse.
Brookfields Winery
Brookfields Winery, nestled beside the Tutaekuri River and established in 1937, is Hawke’s Bay’s oldest boutique winery, cherished for its distinct winemaking ethos and artisanal touch. With winemaker Peter Robertson at the helm since 1977, Brookfields produces limited, sought-after vintages each year, favoring quality over quantity. Here, wine lovers can indulge in award-winning reds and elegant whites, all in a warm, family-led atmosphere that embodies Hawke’s Bay hospitality at its finest.
Te Mata Estate
Te Mata Estate, established in 1896, is a cornerstone of Hawke’s Bay winemaking, celebrated for producing elegant, classically styled wines from its historic vineyards. Family-owned and committed to sustainability, Te Mata crafts limited-production wines like the iconic Coleraine and Elston Chardonnay. Nestled in Havelock North’s scenic hills, the estate offers an immersive tasting experience, where visitors can explore five current-release wines under the guidance of knowledgeable hosts, embracing the essence of place and heritage in each glass.
Trinity Hill
Founded in 1993 in the renowned Gimblett Gravels, Trinity Hill is a celebrated Hawke’s Bay winery recognised for its world-class wines and pioneering spirit. From iconic Chardonnay to the exceptional ‘Homage’ Syrah, crafted with cuttings from France’s Northern Rhône, each bottle reflects the unique terroir and meticulous care that define the estate. Trinity Hill offers an unforgettable experience of Hawke’s Bay’s vibrant winemaking tradition and dedication to quality.
Craggy Range
In the shadow of Te Mata Peak, Craggy Range is a family-owned winery that epitomises Hawke’s Bay’s culinary and winemaking excellence. Established in 1998, Craggy Range offers a dining experience like no other at its acclaimed winery restaurant, where Head Chef Casey McDonald crafts a seasonally inspired menu showcasing the finest Hawke’s Bay produce. Recognised with two Cuisine Good Food hats, guests indulge in dishes artfully paired with Craggy Range wines in an intimate, scenic setting. A guided tasting through the Family and Prestige Collections completes this memorable immersion in Hawke’s Bay’s distinctive flavours and landscapes.
Black Barn Vineyards
Black Barn Vineyards, nestled on the sunlit slopes of Te Mata Hills, invites guests to indulge in an exceptional Hawke’s Bay experience. This boutique vineyard is celebrated for its limited-release wines, award-winning bistro, and luxurious retreats, each thoughtfully appointed for an unforgettable stay. Stroll through the vineyard, savour seasonal dishes crafted from local produce, and enjoy open-air concerts in the summer amphitheater, where every moment at Black Barn celebrates the region’s beauty and bounty.
Alpha Domus
Alpha Domus, a family-owned vineyard in Hawke’s Bay’s Bridge Pa Triangle, is a pioneer in crafting organic, single-vineyard wines with purpose and passion. Established in 1989, this boutique winery produces elegant Bordeaux-inspired reds and distinctive whites. Visitors can enjoy the relaxed charm of the Cellar Door, sampling rare library wines or unwinding in the courtyard. Every bottle captures the unique ecosystem of Hawke’s Bay, a testament to Alpha Domus’s sustainable craftsmanship.
Plan your next escape to the world’s newest Great Wine Capital at hawkesbaynz.com
