New Zealand’s Bordeaux
Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s oldest wine region (the first vines were planted by missionaries in the 1850s) and the country’s premier region for Bordeaux-style red wines — Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and the blends that the warm, dry Hawke’s Bay climate (the second-sunniest region in New Zealand after Marlborough) allows to ripen to a depth and complexity that cooler regions cannot achieve. The region is on the east coast of the North Island, centred on the cities of Napier and Hastings, approximately 4.5 hours by road from Auckland or 5 hours from Wellington.
The Gimblett Gravels — a sub-region of free-draining, heat-retaining river-gravel soils that produce the finest Syrah and Bordeaux-style reds in New Zealand. The Gimblett Gravels designation has become one of the most respected appellations in the country, and the wines from this district (Craggy Range, Trinity Hill, Elephant Hill, Te Mata) compete with international benchmarks.
Te Mata Estate — New Zealand’s oldest continuously operating winery (established 1896), producing Coleraine (a Cabernet-Merlot blend regarded as one of the finest red wines in the country) and Elston Chardonnay.
Craggy Range — a winery with one of the most spectacular vineyard settings in New Zealand, beneath Te Mata Peak. The restaurant and the cellar door are architecturally impressive and the wines (particularly the Gimblett Gravels Syrah) are excellent.
The wine touring combines naturally with Napier’s Art Deco architecture (the city was rebuilt in the 1930s style after the 1931 earthquake) — a wine-and-architecture day is the defining Hawke’s Bay visitor experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wines is Hawke’s Bay known for?
Bordeaux-style reds (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and blends), Syrah (the Gimblett Gravels produce New Zealand’s best), and Chardonnay. Hawke’s Bay is the red-wine region — the warm climate ripens the varieties that cooler regions cannot.
How far is Hawke’s Bay from Auckland/Wellington?
Approximately 4.5 hours from Auckland, 5 hours from Wellington by road. Flights to Napier from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch take approximately 1 hour.
Can I combine wine touring with Napier’s Art Deco?
Yes — the wineries are in the countryside surrounding Napier and Hastings. A morning Art Deco walking tour followed by an afternoon wine tour (or vice versa) is the natural Hawke’s Bay day.