Hawkes Bay is situated on the east coast of New Zealand’s north island. It is the oldest and second largest of the wine growing regions in the country. Grape vines were first planted here as long ago as 1851. The climate in the region is well suited to grape growing; low rainfall, 2220 hours of sunshine annually on average, long growing conditions and cooling onshore breezes.
Vineyards are found around the cities of Napier and Hastings. these are also both interesting places to visit. The Hawkes Bay region was devastated by an earthquake in 1931 and the subsequent rebuilding meant that many buildings, especially in Napier, were built in the Art Deco style. Napier is now known as the Art Deco capital of the world!
There are three main clusters of wineries in the area that make planning visits carefully as the distances between them can be large. From the Napier vineyards to those around Bridge Pa/Gimblett Gravels near Hastings for example is a 18Km (11 mile) drive. We found the isite tourism information in Hastings to be particularly helpful in providing winery maps of Hawkes Bay along with wine and food guides and details of local bike hire. you can visit their website here
- Church Road
Church Road Grand Reserve Chardonnay. 2016
Tropical fruits, nutty, marzipan flavour abound in this complex wine which has lovely balance. the finish is long and Lingering. Excellent.
Church Road. Classic Range Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon. 2016
Red fruit and plum flavours with some savoury and spicy notes. Medium bodied. A good everyday wine to have with food.
Church Road McDonald Series Merlot 2015
Good depth of colour to the wine. Dark berry fruits, plums. The palate is rich and full with warm spice, vanilla and a nice savoury finish.
Church Road Grand Reserve. Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2014
Great colour, red and black fruits, plums. Soft, round, hints of spice. Tannins integrating. Well balanced. Very nice wine
Church Road Grand Reserve. Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2013
Black fruits , plums abound in this very inviting wine. There is a touch of star anise to add a warming spice. Powerful with great depth and structure and a dry, spicy finish. Excellent.
Visit their website here
2. Te Mata
Te Mata Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Very pale with feint lime tinge, with aromas of gooseberry and some tropical notes. Use of some oak gives a nice weight and depth. Nice finish
Te Mata Estate Chardonnay 2016
Peaches and lemon citrus in this very drinkable wine. A lighter style of chardonnay which is crisp and dry.
Te Mata Elston Chardonnay 2016
Single vineyard wine with 40 year old vines. Pale lemon, clear and bright. Lemon citrus, peach, toasty, vanilla give an intense flavour profile but without overpowering. Has nice weight and a long lingering finish. Excellent.
Te Mata Estate Gamay Noir 2017
Light cherry red. Aromas of cherry, strawberry, fruit chews, bubblegum. Light on the palate, fruity, easy drinking style of wine. This is s fun wine to be enjoyed now.
Te Mata Estate Vineyards Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Youthful in appearance this wine is full of black fruit and plums with a little spice. Palate has nice balance with tannins to soften a little. A wine for drinking with food.
Te Mata Awatea Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2016
Youthful appearance with a great depth of colour. Aromas of black fruits, violets and a warm savoury/herby complexity. Palate is delightful and complex and there is a long savoury finish. Excellent.
Visit their website here
