Hastings Wineries & Vineyards
New Zealand's first winery was established in the Hawkes Bay in 1851 when French Catholic missionaries planted vines at the Mission Estate. Now some 25 wineries grace this region, which boasts an average of 2245 hours of sunshine annually. Cabernet sauvignon, gewurztraminer, chardonnay, merlot, pinot noir and sauvignon blanc are among the varieties on offer. A drawcard for wine buffs is the annual Harvest Hawke's Bay, a wine and food festival held the first weekend of every February, which celebrates the region's harvest with food, wine and live entertainment.
A number of wineries are within walking distance and include Vidal of Hawkes Bay and
CJ Pask. Akorangi, Bradshaw Estate and
Te Mata Estate are also close by. Other nearby wineries include:
- Ngatarawa
Ngatarawa is the picturesque home of Alwyn, Glazebrook, Silks and Stables wines.
- Vidal Estate
One of Hawkes Bay's original boutique wineries. Vidal Estate Restaurant is open 7 days for lunch and dinner or tour the winery and experience the history of winemaking.
- Brookfields Vineyard and Restaurant
One of Hawke's Bay's older wineries.
- Clearview Estate Winery
A seaside winery near Cape Kidnappers, which offers alfresco and indoor dining, a children's menu and play area and petanque courts.
- Prenzel on the Bay
Micro-distillery and tasting room, which creates European-style brandies and liqueurs made from fruit.
- Te Awa Winery
Tastings and sales daily. A restaurant operates on site.