Events Diary

February

Harvest Hawke's Bay,   February. Telephone  +64 6 8341919.

Art Deco Weekend, February, Napier.

WETA Wine and Food Festival, February Showgrounds, Waipukurau.

June

Hawke's Bay Vintners' Charity Wine Auction, Sunday 6 June 2004, Sileni Estates, Hawke's Bay, telephone +64-6-8767159.

September

Hawke's Bay Blossom Festival, mid September.

October

Hawke's Bay A&P Wine Show, October.

Hawkes Bay Wines and Wineries

Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's largest and oldest established wine growing regions.

It is blessed by a warm and sunny climate and a variety of soil types. It is a region ideally suited to the growing of fruit and grapes. Wines have been produced in the Region since the 19th century.

 Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape variety but the long sunshine hours attract a high percentage of later-ripening red grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. 

Amongst the best of the Bay's 55 wineries are:

Hawke's Bay is a region rich in history. In 1931 Napier and Hastings were all but destroyed by an earthquake, and then rebuilt in the prevailing  art deco and spanish mission styles of the time. As a result, the region is one of the most unique architectural centres in the world. To learn more about Napier's special character we recommend Peter Shaw's book Art deco Napier : styles of the thirties. For more information on the Hawke's Bay, Hastings and Napier try Hawke's Bay Information.

New Zealand wine regions - follow a link for visitor information and listings of top wineries.

Auckland

Gisborne

Hawke's Bay

Martinborough

Nelson

Marlborough

Canterbury

Otago

Best NZ Wine Book

Brookfield Vineyards is a small volume winery for the connoisseur. Its best wines are the classic Bordeaux style varieties of Chardonnay and Cabernet. Whilst shy of competitions, the winery has won its share of gold. Winemaker Peter Robertson's Marshall Bank Chardonnay is creamy, toasty and complex. His gold label Cabernet Merlot is characterised by a dark colour and ripe fruit flavours. Both wines are made for cellaring. For more information contact: Peter Robertson, PO Box 7174, Taradale, HAWKES BAY, Phone: +64 6 8344615, Fax: +64 6 8344622, e-mail: brookfields.vineyards@xtra.co.nz.

C J Pask Winery was founded in 1985 by Chris Pask and his daughter Tessa McKay. Chris pioneered grape plantings at Gimblett Road, Hawkes Bay in 1982. The winery now owns and manages over 100 hectares of vineyard and its annual production has increased to some 48,000 cases, based largely on the premium varieties of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. C J Pask produces three distinct ranges: the Reserve Range is produced in limited quantities only when the fruit quality is exceptional; and the Gimblett Road Range and Roys Hill Range are produced in commercial quantities in very consistent styles from vintage to vintage. Recent wine show success includes gold at the Royal Easter Wine Show 2002 for its Reserve Declaration 1999, Gimblett Road Merlot 2000, and Reserve Merlot 2000. For more information contact: Kate Radburnd, PO Box 849, Hastings, HAWKES BAY, phone: +64 6 8797906, fax: +64 6 8796428, e-mail: info@cjpaskwinery.co.nz.

Clearview Estate boarders the Pacific Ocean and produces powerful wines. Proprietors Tim Turvey and Helma van den Berg brag that they produce New Zealand's most power packed Chardonnay - lots of melolatic fermentation and oak. Bob Campbell (MW) describes their award winning Chardonnay as "Exceptionally mouth-filling and overflowing with peachy, oaky, mealy flavour...a hedonist's delight". Clearview's 1999 Reserve Chardonnay was awarded gold at the Royal Easter Wine Show 2001. Other medal successes include gold for its "Old Olive Block" Merlot Cabernet at the Royal Easter Wine Show 2000, and gold for its Reserve Hawke's Bay Merlot/Cabernet Franc 1998 at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 1999. To cap it all off, Clearview's a great place to go for a meal. Its winery restaurant was judged "Best Cafe" in the Hawke's Bay by Cafe Magazine. For more information contact: Tim Turvey, Clifton Road, RD 2, Hastings, HAWKES BAY, Phone: +64 6 8750150, Fax: +64 6 8751258, e-mail: clearview.estate@xtra.co.nz.

Church Road Winery is owned by Montana wines - one of New Zealand's largest producers of wine. The brand is synonymous with quality Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon based wines, and produced at Montana's historic McDonald's winery in Taradale near Napier. Wine Writer Michael Cooper rates as "classics" both the Winery's Reserve Chardonnay and its Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot. The 1998 Reserve Chardonnay was awarded a silver medal at the prestigious International Wine Challenge 2000 (London). To enhance the quality of their Cabernet style wines, Montana has enlisted the help of Cordier, one of France's most respected wine producers. If visiting the winery, be sure to visit the wine museum and restaurant, and to sample Church Road wines with fine food. Church Road wines are exported to the United Kingdom and Australia. For more information contact: Barrie Browne, PO Box 7095, Taradale, HAWKES BAY, Phone: +64 6 8442053, Fax: +64 6 8443378, e-mail: chrd@montanawines.co.nz.

Esk Valley is best known for the production of high quality red wines. A member of the Villa Maria group of companies, Esk Valley frequently ranks amongst the best of New Zealand wines in local and overseas wine competitions. The winery's Reserve Merlot/Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 was awarded gold at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2001 as was its Reserve Chardonnay 1999.  Its Reserve Merlot/Malbec/Cabernet 1997 was awarded gold at the International Wine Challenge 2000 in London. Top of the winery's range is The Terraces, a Merlot/Malbec and Cabernet Franc blend. This is followed by its reserve labeled wines, and then its black labeled wines. The winery welcomes visitors for tastings and sales. Indeed, the winery is the best place to buy some of the rarer and more sought after Esk Valley wines.  For more information contact: Gordon Russell, PO Box 111, Bay View, HAWKES BAY, Phone: +64 6 8366411, Fax: +64 6 8366413, Email: enquiries@eskvalley.co.nz.

Kim Crawford Wines is the personal vehicle of Kim Crawford, one of New Zealand's top wine makers. Kim became involved in wine and wine making while completing a BSc in microbiology and botany at Massey University. "It was a revolutionary time for New Zealand winemaking. New varieties – Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay – were being planted and the potential was there to be able to drink something other than sherry". Rather than being situated in one specific area, New Zealand, Kim Crawford Wines utilises small, selected vineyards in Marlborough, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay, where Kim believes the grapes grow best. Kim Crawford wines have won too many awards to list, but recent successes include the Trophy for the Champion Riesling at the Royal Easter Wine Show 2001. The Winery's tasting room and cellar door facilities are located at the Te Awanga Vineyard in Hawke’s Bay. For more informayion contact: Kim Crawford, phone: +64 9 529 0804, fax: +64 9 529 0805, Email: info@kimcrawfordwines.co.nz.

Matariki Wines is owned by former New Zealand rugby representative John O'Connor and his wife Rosemary. Their mission is "to produce fruit driven wines of elegance and complexity, handcrafted from a tapestry of soils grown in harmony with nature". Matariki's main vineyard is located on the stony barren soils of Gimblett Rd - an area recently recognised by Harvey Steinman, writing in Wine Spectator Magazine, as an area producing several top rated reds. Matariki has sprung to our attention with the success of its wines in a number of national and international wine competitions. At the Royal Easter Wine Show (2001) It received trophies for its Blanc De Blanc 1997 and  its Syrah 1999.  Other successes include a gold for its Quintology 1998 (a blend of up to 5 grapes, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Syrah) and a silver for its Syrah 1998 at the International Wine Challenge in London 2000, a Gold medal  for its Pinot Noir and another silver for the Syrah at the International Wine Challenge in London this year (2001), recognition in the Liquorland Top 100 for its Hawke's Bay  Chardonnay 1999, golds for its Blanc de Blanc 1997 and its Chardonnay 1999 at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards (2000) Matariki Wines Chardonnay 2000 Hawkes Bay New Zealand, and winner of the Luigi Bormioli Trophy, for the Top Chardonnay of the Show, at the 3rd International Cool Climate Wine Show at the Mornington Peninsula in Australia. Matariki Wines are exported to Brazil, Hong Kong, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and the United states of America. For more information contact:  John & Rosemary O'Connor, 52 Kirkwood Road, RD5, Hastings, phone: +64 6 8796226, fax: +64 6 8796228, e-mail: wine@matarikiwines.co.nz.

Ngatarawa Wines is located in a secluded rural setting to the west of Hastings. The winery and its cellar door are housed in an old equestrian stables fronted by a tranquil lily pond and gardens. Winemaker Alwyn Corban's best wines are now labeled with the Alwyn name, followed by wines labeled Glazebrook. His Merlot Cabernet 1998 was recently judged to be a "Wine of Outstanding Quality" at the Sydney Top 100 Wine Show, was awarded a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge 2000 in London and picked up another gold at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 1999. His Noble Harvest Riesling is a sumptuous and honey flavoured sticky - a must have for any lover of sweet wines as is his more expensive Alwyn Noble Harvest. Also recommended is Ngatarawa's Glazebrook Chardonnay. For more information contact: Alwyn Corban, Ngatarawa Road, RD 5, Hastings, HAWKES BAY, phone: +64 6 8797603, fax: +64 6 8796675, e-mail: ngatarawawines@clear.net.nz.

Sacred Hill Wines is a beautiful winery to visit. It is located in the low-lying hills to the west of Napier - about 20 minutes by car. It is perfect for a picnic on a warm sunny day. The winery produces a range of wines, including both affordable drink now wines, and more expensive award winning products. Wines of note include the award winning Rifleman's Chardonnay, which won gold at the Royal Easter Wine Show 2001 and silver at both the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2000 and the International Wine Challenge 2000 in London , the Basket Press Cabernet Sauvignon which won silver at the International Wine Challenge 2000 and  the Basket Press Merlot which also won Silver at the 2000 Wine Challenge. For something different, I recommend you try Sacred Hill's Bordeaux style Sauvage Sauvignon Blanc or their luscious XS Noble Riesling. Sacred Hill wines are exported to the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Holland. For more information contact: David Mason, Rochfort Place, RD 5, Hastings, HAWKES BAY, phone: +64 6 8798760, fax: +64 6 8794158, e-mail: enquiries@sacredhill.com.

Sileni Estates is more than just a winery. Established in 1998, it showcases an architecturally designed epicurian centre housing the Winery's cellar, tasting room, gourmet food store and award winning restaurant. Its wines are excellent, especially its wonderful EV Merlot Cabernet Franc and its Chardonnay. Its 1998 Merlot Cabernet was awarded a silver medal at the International Wine Challenge 2000 in London. Sileni Estate welcomes visitors and is open seven days a week. It also offers luxury accomodation, wine courses and a cooking school. For more information, including details of cheese and food festivals, contact: Graeme Avery & Grant Edmonds, PO Box 2234, Stortford Lodge, HASTINGS, phone: +64 6 8798768, fax: +64 6 8797187, e-mail: sileni.estates@xtra.co.nz.

Stonecroft Wines is a personal favourite. Dr Alan Limmer has carved out quite a reputation for himself, based on the unique quality and style of his wines. He puts maximum effort into  developing the Winery's own vineyards so as to produce high quality fruit. The vineyards grapes are planted in very stony, free draining soil in two of Hawke's Bay's best viticulture sites. Consequently, the wines tend to be full bodied, soft and intensely fruity. All harvesting is by hand and the wine making is traditional. The whole philosophy is one of quality without compromise. While shunning wine competitions, Stonecroft Syrah is regarded by many as New Zealand's best. Its Gewürztraminer with its perfume of lychee and rose water never disappoints, nor does its Chardonnay. To purchase Stonecroft Wines you need to get on the mailing list, as top vintages sell out quickly. Internationally, Stonecroft wines are available in the United Kingdom through Lea and Sandeman, 170 Fulham Road, London, and The Ultimo Wine Centre, Sydney, Australia. For more information contact: Dr Alan Limmer, Mere Road, RD 5, Hastings, HAWKE'S BAY, phone: +64 6 8799610, fax: +64 6 8799610, e-mail: stonecroft@xtra.co.nz.

Te Awa Farm - Te Awa o Te Atua - means River of God, a reference to the mysterious subterranean streams over which Te Awa Farm is sited. In 1992 the Lawson family purchased their property on the corner of Ngatarawa Road and State Highway 50 with the intent of growing premium grapes and making fine wine, especially the Bordeaux varieties. The vineyard  is located on land now recognised as part of the Gimblett Gravels Wine Growing District. An area that produces some of New Zealand's most sought after Cabernet, Merlots and Chardonnay wines. In making its wines, Te Awa Farm's philosophy is "to achieve balanced wines, reflecting the grapes from which they are made, and having the individuality of our vineyard site - our  terroir". Te Awa Farm welcomes visitors and is open for tastings, Lunch and private evening functions seven days a week. For more information contact: Gus Lawson, 2375 Roys Hill Road, SH50, RD 5, Hastings, HAWKE'S BAY, phone : +64 6 879-7602, fax Fax: +64 6 879-7756, e-mail winery@teawafarm.co.nz.

Te Mata Estate always impresses with the sheer consistency, quality and value of its wines. Te Mata Estate Winery originated as part of Te Mata Station, a large pastoral land holding established by English immigrant John Chambers in 1854. His third son, Bernard, influenced by the comments from visitors that the hills were suitable for grape growing, planted vines in 1892. Wine was first made from those grapes in 1896. The winery makes some of New Zealand's very best Bordeaux style wines. Top of its range is Coleraine, a Bordeaux style Cabernet Merlot regarded by many as New Zealand's best red wine. Almost as good, but a little cheaper, is Awatea, another Cabernet Merlot. Another wine to die for is Te Mata's  Elston Chardonnay. The winery welcomes visitors for tastings and tours, and is notable for its architecture and design.  Te Mata Estate wines are stocked by selected trade and restaurant outlets in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Germany. For more information contact:  John & Wendy Buck, PO Box 8335, Havelock North, HAWKES BAY, phone: +64 6 8774399, fax: +64 6 8774397, e-mail: wine@temata.co.nz.

Trinity Hill Wines is the vehicle of John Hancock, a well known New Zealand winemaker and judge. The winery has established a solid reputation for its high quality Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah wines. Proof of this is that Trinity Hill Wines are featured on the menus of some of the world's top restaurants including London's elite Ramsay's restaurant and Melbourne's Circa restaurant. The Winery's Gimblett Road Merlot was awarded gold at the Royal Easter Wine Show 2001, its Gimblett Road Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 1998 was recognised at the Sydney Top 100 Wine Show 2000, and its Shepherds Croft Chardonnay 1998 took gold at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 1999. Trinity Hill is open seven days a week for tastings, and its wines are exported to most parts of the world including North America, Europe, Israel, the United Kingdom and Australia. For more information contact: John Hancock, PO Box 2150, Stortford Lodge, HASTINGS, phone: +64 6 8797778, fax: +64 6 8797770, e-mail: trinityhill@xtra.co.nz.

Vidal Estate is one of New Zealand's oldest wineries. It was established by Spanish immigrants in 1905 and has achieved an enviable reputation for producing high quality wine across a range of varieties. Winemaker Rod McDonald's 1998 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot was judged by Cuisine magazine to be one of New Zealand's very best red wines. Other top varieties include Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc and a very good Noble Semillon. All of these wines have been awarded gold and silver medals in international and local wine competitions including the International Wine Challenge 2000 (London), the Air New Zealand Wine Awards and the Sydney Top 100. Of particular note was the Trophy for Champion Chardonnay at the Royal Easter Wine Show 2001. More recently, the Winery's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 1999 made the Liquorland Top 100 (2001). The winery is open for tastings seven days a week and features a popular restaurant. Vidal wines are exported to the United Kingdom, Canada, throughout the Pacific, Singapore and Hong Kong. For more information contact: Rod McDonald, PO Box 48, Hastings, HAWKES BAY, phone: +64 6 8769662, fax: +64 6 8765312, e-mail: enquiries@vidalestate.co.nz.