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The story of Hawke's Bay wine

Nestled on the East Coast of New Zealand, Te Matau-a-Māui Hawke’s Bay is a region steeped in history and bursting with flavour. As the oldest wine-growing region in the country, it offers a rich tapestry of viticulture, diverse terroir, and culinary excellence that delights locals and visitors alike.

Hawke’s Bay’s wine story began in 1851, when Marist missionaries planted the first vines at what is now Mission Estate Winery in Taradale. This pioneering spirit was soon followed by the establishment of Te Mata Estate in 1896 and Church Road Winery in 1897. These early foundations laid the groundwork for a flourishing wine industry that now boasts over 100 wineries, from boutique family-run operations to globally recognized brands.

Forged over millennia by four major rivers, Hawke’s Bay’s landscape is a winemaker’s dream. The region’s terroir includes 25 different soil types, ranging from clay loam and limestone to free-draining gravels and red metals, providing the perfect canvas for over 38 grape varietals. This extraordinary diversity allows winemakers to craft wines that express the unique characteristics of the land and the season.

Hawke’s Bay’s Mediterranean-like climate—with long, hot summers and cool coastal breezes—delivers ideal conditions for ripening grapes. Protected by surrounding high country, the region enjoys extended growing seasons, resulting in wines that are both complex and expressive.

Hawke’s Bay is responsible for approximately 90% of New Zealand’s Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, producing bold Red Blends and elegant Syrahs that have gained international acclaim. It’s also the spiritual home of New Zealand Chardonnay, with award-winning expressions that rival the best in the world.

Home to New Zealand’s widest range of tertiary viticulture and wine qualifications, Hawke’s Bay is a hub of innovation and expertise. Its winemakers, both seasoned professionals and emerging talents, transform small parcels of grapes into exquisite limited-edition wines.

From renowned international wine brands with impressive cellar doors to independent artisans crafting unique vintages, Hawke’s Bay offers a wine experience as varied as its landscape. Visitors can explore aromatic whites, dessert wines, and adventurous varietals rarely seen elsewhere in New Zealand.

Hawke’s Bay is as celebrated for its food as it is for its wine. Known as New Zealand’s food-producing powerhouse, the region is a haven for culinary enthusiasts. Pair world-class wines with local delights, from vibrant farmers’ markets to internationally recognized fine dining restaurants.

Whether you’re savouring a Red Blend on the gravel plains, enjoying a Chardonnay by the coast, or exploring artisan cellar doors and vineyard tours, Hawke’s Bay is a destination where every sip tells a story. This is New Zealand wine at its best—a celebration of land, tradition, and innovation.

Come taste the legacy, explore the diversity, and discover why Hawke’s Bay is a Great Wine Capital of the world.