Wine Tasting in Hawkes Bay

Wine tasting in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, is a must-do when you visit Napier or Hastings. Enjoy award-winning wines, dreamy landscapes, and scrumptious food.

Hawke’s Bay, nestled on the picturesque east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is the country’s oldest wine region, with a rich heritage that traces back to 1851. This captivating area boasts a temperate climate characterised by warm summers and gentle breezes; it is, in fact, one of New Zealand’s sunniest regions. Hawke’s Bay is celebrated primarily for its exquisite Bordeaux-style reds and elegant Chardonnays, with the renowned Gimblett Gravels vineyard area standing out as a jewel of the region, producing wines that have garnered numerous prestigious awards and acclaim.

The Gimblett Gravels

The Gimblett Gravels is a remarkable region spanning approximately 800 hectares, distinguished by its unique soil composition. This area features an intricate mix of stones, gravel, and coarse sand deposited by the ancient Ngaruroro River. Such a geological foundation is ideal for viticulture, as it facilitates excellent drainage and encourages the vines to establish deep, robust root systems. As a result, the Gimblett Gravels has attained a stellar reputation for producing some of the world’s most exceptional full-bodied red wines, captivating wine enthusiasts with their rich flavours and remarkable complexity.

The Wineries

Hawke’s Bay is responsible for producing over 85% of New Zealand’s red wines and more than 30% of the country’s Chardonnay. With around 72 wineries to explore, visitors have several options for getting around. You can choose from bike trails, organized tours, or you can grab a map and embark on a self-drive tour, which is what we did on several occasions.

Wine Tasting and Etiquette

While some tastings are free, most wineries charge a fee to sample their wines. Prices typically start at $5 and can go as high as $35 for premium options. Most wineries will refund the tasting fee if you purchase, so it’s a good idea to ask about this in advance to avoid confusion.

Not all cellar doors are open daily, and their opening days and times can vary by season. When planning your visit, checking the winery’s website for current hours is wise. Below, I have included each winery’s website to make it easier for you to find up-to-date information. When visiting as part of a group larger than four people, it’s advisable to call ahead to confirm availability and notify them of your group size.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in New Zealand, so it’s essential to have a designated driver. All tasting rooms provide spittoons for use, and sharing tastings with a partner is acceptable.

This page by Hawke’s Bay Wine provides a detailed overview of wine-tasting etiquette.

1. Linden Estate

Linden Estate was the first winery we visited on our 2025 visit to Hawke’s Bay. We enjoyed a delicious lunch, followed by wine tasting and a visit to their gallery, which featured Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastation and subsequent recovery. It was a pleasant and compelling visit with friendly, helpful staff.

Established in 1971, Linden Estate Winery is situated in the Esk Valley, the most northerly wine-growing region of Hawke’s Bay. The current cellar door and 1,000 m² barrel hall were built in 1991, and an innovative planting program was established in their vineyards.

Linden Estate prides itself on inflicting little interference with the natural growing process, including little fruit handling. Hence, their new Little range incorporates natural winemaking practices with minimal tinkering to create boutique wine. 

All work at Linden Estate is conducted according to organic and sustainable practices. As a result, the yield from their vines tends to be lower, but the quality is exceptional. The finest grapes are selected to produce a diverse range of wines, including red, white, sparkling, dessert, and fortified varieties.

Grapes they grow – Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Syrah, Albarino, Gewurztraminer, and Tannat.  

Lunch at Valley d’Vine Restaurant at Linden Estate

Our party had a fantastic experience! The food was absolutely delicious, the service was attentive and efficient, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Our party enjoyed the food; everything was delicious, the service was good, and the staff were friendly.

Confit Pork Belly | gratin, baby vegetables, apple sauce, crackling, and merlot jus.

Hawke’s Bay Lamb | roasted lamb loin, Israeli tabouli, rocket and mint yoghurt.

Scotch Fillet | potato gratin, baby vegetables and port jus.

Chatham Island Blue Cod  | parmesan and herb crusted, with fries, salad and tartare sauce.

Cyclone Gabrielle

Linden Estate was one of the wineries hit hard by the cyclone in 2023 and has made a remarkable recovery.

On Valentine’s Day in 2023, ex-tropical Cyclone Gabrielle pummelled the Hawke’s Bay region, depositing over half a metre of rain in 24 hours. This caused massive, widespread flooding throughout Hawke’s Bay and neighbouring areas, with Esk Valley being one of the worst affected locations. The flooding caused devastating losses of lives and the destruction of many homes and businesses. 

Linden Estate Winery was hit hard, with the vineyards on the flats and the winery buildings immersed in meter-deep floodwaters. The water was laden with silt, and when the floodwaters receded, around 30cm of silt remained in and around the lower vines and the buildings.

With the help of volunteers and heavy machinery, Linden Estate cleared away the debris and removed the silt. They also completed a refit of electrical systems and plumbing, replaced walls, and stripped and refurbished furniture.

Linden Estate’s motto is now ‘Devastated but not Defeated’!

2. Brookfield Vineyards

Brookfields was my favourite of the wineries we visited on this Hawke’s Bay trip. I enjoyed lunch and their exquisite wines with my family on a sunny day in Napier. 

Founded in 1937, Brookfields Vineyards is the oldest boutique winery in Hawke’s Bay. At Brookfields, they employ winemaking techniques that date back to the 5th century. By blending traditional methods with modern practices and selecting only the finest grapes from carefully chosen locations, Brookfields crafts outstanding, bold, fruit-driven wines. However, you won’t want to dilly-dally; Brookfields only produces 8,000 to 10,000 cases of wine each year.

Brookfields Vineyards is a family-run enterprise, and it is not unusual to be greeted by Peter, his wife Sharon or their daughter. Sharon is a favourite among wine tasters, as she not only possesses a wealth of knowledge and a passion for Brookfields and winemaking in general, but also has a fun sense of humour. During your tasting, you will learn about the history of Brookfields and the Hawke’s Bay wine region.

Lunch at Mitzi and Twinn Restaurant at Brookfields

Our party was delighted with lunch at Brookfields. The food was delicious, the staff were friendly, and the service was impeccable. I highly recommend making a reservation, as they are very popular. My sister accidentally booked the wrong day, but despite the inconvenience, they managed to seat us. The sharing plates are a fabulous way to try more than one dish, and I assure you, the food is worth trying. Try the pāua and Kawakawa pie to have a taste of Kiwi cuisine. I was so eager to try these little pies that I forgot to get a photo. However, we thought they were delicious. 

Freshly Baked Bread | trio of dips

Aoraki Hot Smoked Salmon | potato rosti, microgreens, kawakawa pesto

Brioche Sliders | crispy chicken, greens, balsamic reduction, hemp flakes

Hoisin & Ginger Pork Belly | Black sesame rice, pickled cabbage, pickled ginger

Creamy Paua & Kawakawa Pie | minced paua, puff pastry, kawakawa

Cyclone Gabrielle 

Like many wineries in the area, Brookfields faced significant challenges following Cyclone Gabrielle. While it was not one of the hardest-hit establishments, the aftermath still left a profound impact. The extensive flooding enveloped both the winery and its sprawling vineyards, while toxic chemicals from a nearby fertiliser plant seeped into the soil, threatening the integrity of their operations.

After an arduous seven months of cleanup, marked by relentless determination and hard work, Brookfields could finally reopen its doors. To ensure safety and quality, every pump, motor, floor, and surface had to be replaced or meticulously cleaned by professional services. Remarkably, 4,500 bottles of wine—once buried in the silt—were carefully excavated, sanitised, and restored with the invaluable assistance of dedicated volunteers, showcasing the spirit of community resilience in the face of adversity.

3. Trinity Hill

Trinity Hill has over 30 years of winemaking experience in Hawke’s Bay. Their passion lies in crafting exquisite wines that pair well with food, utilising classic grape varieties that have made Hawke’s Bay famous worldwide.

Trinity Hill produces wines from popular grape varieties, including Syrah, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as several lesser-known varieties from Hawke’s Bay, such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Additionally, they produce wines from grape varieties that are rarely planted in New Zealand, such as Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, and Touriga Francesa. Furthermore, some of their wines are crafted using traditional techniques, which may even include foot stomping, known as pigeage.

Cellar Door Platter at Trinity Hill

Bread, terrine, wild venison beer sticks, olive tapenade, goat’s cheese, pickles, grapes, nuts and crackers.

The food was delicious. However, in the interest of providing an honest review, we felt that there wasn’t enough bread or crackers included. Additionally, when we saw the platters at Oak Estate, we wished we had waited to eat there.

Cyclone Gabrielle

While fortunate in many respects, Trinity Hill was not immune to the damaging effects of Cyclone Gabrielle and the subsequent flooding. Their Skeetfield Chardonnay vineyard was the most damaged. This venerable old block, known for its dry-farmed, old-vine Chardonnay, encountered devastating impacts from the storm.

4. Oak Estate

Located in the picturesque Bridge Pa Triangle wine district, Oak Estate Wines is a charming family-operated boutique winery and restaurant. Covering just 4.1 hectares, they focuse on the meticulous production of small parcel wines, showcasing the exceptional qualities of its carefully cultivated grapes, including Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Tempranillo.

Furthermore, at Oak Estate, visitors are treated to a culinary journey highlighting locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the region’s rich flavours. Each dish is expertly crafted to complement their exquisite wines. The platters and à la carte meals are a feast for both the eyes and the palate. I was disappointed that I had already eaten, and the Oak Estate platter is at the top of my Hawke’s Bay to-do list for my next visit.

Catering to cycling enthusiasts, Oak Estate serves as a perfect pit stop along the Hawke’s Bay cycle trail, inviting guests to park their bikes and indulge in a delightful experience that combines the best of food and wine culture with the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

5. Sileni Estate

Sileni Estate was our last winery on this visit to Hawke’s Bay. This large winery has vineyards in both Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough on the South Island. They produce a variety of wines, including Bordeaux blends, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Sileni Winery is dedicated to crafting wine using both modern and traditional techniques while minimising intervention. They are committed to reducing their environmental footprint through ongoing initiatives aimed at conservation and waste reduction. Innovative practices include using recycled materials for their bottles and cartons, nurturing the land by planting native trees, and sustainably managing their vineyards with the help of sheep, which graze between the vines during winter. This harmonious approach enhances the quality of their wines and honours the land they cultivate.

More Hawke’s Bay Wineries?   11 Hawke’s Bay Wineries You Must Visit!

More things to do in Hawke’s Bay?   Sea Walls – Napier’s Spectacular Street Art!  / 10 Things to do in the Picturesque Seaside Town of Ahuriri / Tramping Sunrise Track – Ruahine Forest, New Zealand

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