Nectar from the missionaries Wine tasting in Hawke’s Bay

Any time of the year is a good time to visit Hawke’s Bay. This is the oldest wine making region in New Zealand thanks to thirsty French Marist brothers who planted the first vines here in 1897.

With high sunshine hours and a variety of soil types, this region is known mainly for cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay but also produces, albeit in smaller quantities, a fine merlot, cabernet franc and syrah. It is home to over 100 vineyards and 80 cellar doors – which promise to keep one busy for at least a weekend.

Start in Napier where it all began at the very first winery in New Zealand, Mission Estate, which also has a lovely restaurant for indoor or outdoor dining overlooking the neighbouring vineyard at Church Road. Both these wineries are iconic for their music events and festivals attracting thousands. Add an underground cellar/museum tour at Church Road for a fascinating peek into the history of wine making in this part of the world.

Havelock North and out towards the southern beaches of Napier is another region which you need a day for. Pop into Black Barn, Craggy Range, Elephant Hill, Kim Crawford, Clearview Estate and if you really want to be cheeky, I have it on good authority you can buzz the gates of Cape Kidnappers Lodge and they just might let you in for afternoon tea.

If it’s cycling between a cluster of vineyards you like, then join one of the many bike tours and pedal (or wobble) your way on a mountain bike or a tandem around nine wineries within a grape’s throw of each other south of Hastings calling at Te Awa, Trinity Hill, Sileni, Ngatarawa, Ash Ridge, Alpha Domus, Abbey Hill and Salvare.

For more information about the wineries in Hawke’s Bay, visit www.winesofnz.com