On a recent trip to Hawke鈥檚 Bay, I was impressed by the diversity and quality of the cellar door experiences. Along with tasting a vast array of Bordeaux blends featuring Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Chardonnay is shining as never before, made in a variety of styles. Syrah is also an important grape variety along with Sauvignon Blanc. Delve deeper and you will find terrific white wines made from Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc, Albarino and the Rhone favourites of Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. On the red wine spectrum, you can taste wines from Tempranillo, Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Pinot Noir and more.

Pictured above: view northwest, across the Gimblett Gravels from the Bilancia vineyard on Roy's Hill.

Here are some of the hightlights. 

De La Terre

Drive out along Highway 50 towards Taihape and you will find  the winery of Tony and Kaye Pritchard. Tony makes wine from a number of grape varieties but in recent years is experimenting with different styles of Chardonnay, Syrah and Tannat, a black grape from Southwest France. They also make sparkling wines which Tony disgorges by hand. From the kitchen, you can enjoy freshly-baked pizzas.

Around Havelock: Te Mata Estate

Te Mata Estate, one of New Zealand鈥檚 oldest wineries dating from 1896, offers three tasting experiences: at the cellar door, a private tasting in the Coleraine Room which looks out to the vineyards or the Heritage Tour of the vineyards and winery followed by a tasting of 5 premium wines. Pictured above, Nicholas Buck in the winery and barrel hall. You can visit their website .

Craggy Range

In Hawke鈥檚 Bay, it is hard to go past the restaurant and cellar door of Craggy Range. Chef Casey McDonald has created an innovative menu inspired by the fresh vegetables from their extensive gardens and glass houses and paired with an impressive line-up of Craggy Range Wines. You can also opt for the Wine Experience sessions which vary from a seated tasting and tour or the Giants Estate experience over 2 hours including a guided tour and tasting of Craggy Range鈥檚 prestige collection of wines. Visit their website .

Bridge Pa Triange Subregion

Around the Bridge Pa Triangle there are many options. has recently opened a cellar door at the old Ngatarawa stables. and are nearby. the winery of our former head cookery tutor, Stefan Loetcher is open for lunch.

Oak Estate

Stefan and Nadine Loetcher in their vineyard at Bridge Pa Triangle subregion.

Roys Hill & Gimblett Gravels

offers tastings of their extensive wines including aged options. Trinity Hill winemaker, Warren Gibson and his wife Lorraine Leheny have their own boutique vineyard making premium wines. Bilancia is located on a steep slope on Roy's Hill overlooking the Gimblett Gravels and I visited them here just as versaison (change of colour) was starting on the syrah grapes.

Pictured above, Lorraine and Warren in their Bilancia vineyard on Roy's Hill.

Swift Wines

Lauren Swift of has taken over the Stonecroft Cellardoor to show her selection of innovative Hawke's Bay wines.

Urban wine tastings Havelock North & Hastings

In Havelock North village, you can taste local wines and eat well at (part of Craggy Range) or at which offer the Meet our Family Tasting Flight or individual tasting in the Trust Us Tasting Flight

In Hastings, have opened an urban tasting room to showcase Daniel Brennan鈥檚 diverse range of wines from full-bodied reds to aromatic whites and sparkling Pet Nats. Just down the road, Master of Wine Michael Henley has established the winebar which offers an extensive winelist and full menu.

Decibel Wines

Wine Bar Cellar 495

in Hastings.

Hawke's Bay FAWC Food and Wine Classic is coming up.

To find more information on wineries, visit

Celia Hay

January 2025