12 of the most incredible Hawke’s Bay wineries
If you enjoy a quality drop and delicious food, there are few places in New Zealand better than the Hawke’s Bay.
Including Napier, Eskdale, Hastings, Havelock North and Te Awanga, the Hawke’s Bay is home to all of the fine things in life.
From vineyards that would look comfortable in Italy, to quirky spots that are distinctly kiwi, each of the Hawke’s Bay wineries on this list warrants a stop.
The Best Hawke’s Bay Wineries
The Best Wineries in Napier
1. Brookfields Vineyards
Family-run, Brookfields Vineyards is a casual (but beautiful) spot in the Hawke’s Bay. It was founded in 1937, making it the region’s oldest boutique winery.
Whether you join their team on a wine tasting from the cellar door (which comes complete with plenty of tines – rosé, whites and reds – plus some chocolate to bring out the best in the reds) or choose to sit down for a meal, Brookefields is a fantastic choice.
They have seating both inside and outside in the garden (where they sometimes have live music on a Saturday), providing a lovely relaxed ambiance.
Menu Highlights
- Hoisin pork belly with slaw and crackle
- Warmed hot smoked salmon with greens
- Loaded fries with pulled beef and cheesy goodness.
378 Brookfields Road, Meeanee, Napier 4183
If I was to recommend one vineyard to visit in the Hawkes Bay, it would be Brookfields.
Aimee
2. Mission Estate Winery
Mission Estate is the oldest winery in all of New Zealand and the largest in Hawke’s Bay.
Highly regarded as a winery that produces great quality wines at fairly reasonable prices, this is a great place to spend an afternoon in Napier.
During your visit, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Napier city and the coastline. Whether you sit on the beautiful outdoor terrace in the sunshine, or indoors in their stylish restaurant, a visit to Mission Estate is a real treat.
In addition to a fabulous menu, they also host a variety of surprisingly affordable wine tastings and also serve guests from the cellar door.
Menu Highlights
- Prawn cutlets, pani puri, mint coconut yoghurt, tomato salsa, and peanuts, with cucumber & gin ice
- Market fish, tua tua clams, smoked bacon, bean & chicory, celeriac and a red wine reduction
- Beef eye fillet (200 gram), braised brisket, potato & parmesan velouté, crispy potato and a horopito crust.
198 Church Road, Poraiti, Napier 4112
Did you know? Mission Estate also doubles as a music venue at times, having hosted some of the most successful musicians in the world!
3. Church Road Winery
Church Road is home to six different wine sub-brands, resulting in a wide variety of reliable, inspired winemaking. They are best known for their chardonnay, syrah and blended reds.
Whilst you’re there, we highly recommend you sample some!
Fortunately, they offer a variety of different wine tasting options, starting from only $10 per person, making this an affordable stop in Napier.
In addition to great wine, Church Road serves up delicious food in a beautiful setting.
Not only is the outlook stunning, but there’s a big field (which is perfect for kids to run around on). It’s also a great spot to set up your picnic, should you choose — these can be purchased through Church Road.
Staff, food, service, wine tasting, venue… all 10/10!!
TLC056, TripAdvisor
Menu Highlights
- Ginger caramel pork belly, carrot & orange purée, fried prawn, pickled ginger and carrot remoulade
- Venison rump, cornbread, roast pumpkin, beetroot yoghurt relish and sour cherry jus
- Scotch fillet, blue cheese hollandaise, duck fat pommes Anna and charred onion.
150 Church Road, Taradale, Napier 4112
4. Crab Farm Winery
If you’re looking for a winery with a difference, Crab Farm could be just the ticket.
This boutique family-owned and operated winery and restaurant is situated just outside of Napier.
Having made their first vintage in 1987, they now offer a wide range of wines — all of which are made from grapes grown on their three Hawke’s Bay vineyards.
Their restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a drop too.
With a roaring fire pit (which is perfect for those chilly winter days) and a sunny courtyard and treehouse, their dining space is unlike anything else you’ll find in the region.
Pull up a Thai triangle cushion, enjoy your wine (and a perfectly paired nibble) and tap your toes to the live music that’s regularly on offer.
Bliss!
Seafood platter was amazing and the wine tasting was fab. The courtyard area for lunch was beautiful… and there was a sandpit for the kids to play in. They reckon it was the best chicken burger they have ever had!
Katherine Mitchell, NZTT member.
Menu Highlights:
- Ika maata (raw fish) – Crab Farm lemon, marinated fish in a coconut cream sauce with cherry tomatoes, cucumber and capsicum with coriander
- 250gm Angus scotch fillet on beetroot puree with a polenta cake, smoked mushroom and green beans, topped with a green peppercorn sauce
- Coconut and passionfruit crème brûlée, served with shortbread.
511 Main North Road, Bay View, Napier 4104
Pro Tip: Lunch and dinner are served Thursday to Sunday, with live music played on Friday nights. Crab Farm closes at 3 pm on most Saturdays during the wedding season. Bookings are highly recommended year-round.
Eskdale Wineries
5. Linden Estate Winery
You’ll find Linden Estate on the slopes of the Esk Valley. Situated there, in a unique microclimate, they grow beautiful grapes that are made into equally beautiful wines.
Not only is this one of the most northerly wine-growing areas in Hawke’s Bay, it is also one of the oldest.
Creating boutique wines, they grow a number of different grape varieties in small blocks.
Across 15 hectares of land they grow:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Gris
- Albariño
- Chardonnay
- Gewurztraminer
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
- Pinotage
- Cabernet Franc
- Tannat
In addition to fabulous wine, they also serve beautiful meals for lunch and dinner.
With a focus on fresh food and vibrant flavours, served in a beautiful part of the Hawke’s Bay, it’s hard to beat.
Menu Highlights:
- Vineyard selection antipasto platter. A selection of meats and seafood, house-made dips, cheese, marinated olives, caper-berries, sundried tomatoes and gherkins with toasted ciabatta
- Confit of duck with a potato gratin, baby vegetables and port jus
- Affogato, Chambord, vanilla ice cream and espresso.
347 State Highway 5, Esk Valley, Eskdale 4182
Our Favourite Wineries in Hastings
6. Hawkes Ridge Wine Estate
551 Kereru Road, RD1, Hastings 4171
7. Te Awanga Estate
We have been fans of Te Awanga Estate for many years (Kim Crawford Wines) – the platters must be the best value for money in NZ and never disappoint or get old. The laidbackness is quintessential NZ – no pretence here – sit under the vines on the hillside overlooking the majestic ocean bay. Bliss.
Sylvia Holding, NZTT member.
376 Parkhill Road, Hastings 4172
Havelock North Wineries
8. Black Barn Vineyards
Sadly Black Barn Vineyards was damaged by fire at the start of 2022. It’s still possible to support them whilst they rebuild though!
Black barn was well known and loved for lunchtime dining and wine tasting.
Now, they are open every Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 4 pm for wine sales, takings and pick-your-own platters. Occasionally they roll out a food truck too. Whatever you choose to eat and drink there, you’ll be sure to enjoy sitting amongst their beautiful grounds.
During the summer season, they hold a growers’ marketing on site which is a real local favourite too.
I loved Black barn for atmosphere, tasting, lunch and great service!
Ana Nolan, NZTT member.
Black Barn Road, Havelock North 4294
9. Craggy Range Winery
Craggy Range Winery is a family-owned vineyard, sitting under the watchful eye of Te Mata Peak.
This wonderful company has earnt two hats and the incredible title of Winery Restaurant of the Year at the 2020-2021 Cuisine Good Food Awards. Unsurprisingly, it really is considered one of the very best wineries and restaurants in the Hawke’s Bay.
With intimate, comfortable dining, a wonderful vista, stunning sculptures (including a famous Paul Dibble creation) and fine wines, this is the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon.
The Craggy Range wines are produced at two different locations; the Gimblett Gravels Winery and Giants Winery. You’ll find their Cellar Door at the Giants Winery in Havelock North, which is where their restaurant is also based.
Craggy Range was possibly one of the top wine & food experiences I have ever had! The staff were top notch. They serve an AMAZING first bread course with camembert butter & honey. The food and wine pairings were delicious. It is definitely a treat location but highly recommended.
Krystle Thomas, NZTT member.
Menu Highlights
- Pecorino cheese soufflé, brown butter roasted pumpkin & red wine pear
- Glazed lamb shoulder, wilted greens, pinenut & parmesan crumb with sides of roast potatoes & confit garlic dressing, and organic green salad from our gardens, with honey & chardonnay vinaigrette
- Soft meringue, roasted plum, vanilla yoghurt & passionfruit curd.
We loved Craggy Range. It was a beautiful setting. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and learning about the challenges they overcame with growing in that region. The wine was excellent. I can highly recommend it.
Kathy Culp Bent, NZTT member.
253 Waimarama Road, Havelock North 4230
10. Askerne Winery
Askern gets a big thumbs up from me 😍
Shilo Gibson, NZTT member.
267 Te Mata Mangateretere Road, Havelock North 4172
Amazing Wineries in Te Awanga
11. Clearview Estate Winery & Restaurant
Menu Highlights
- Salt & pepper squid with smashed avocado, pineapple & chilli salsa, radish and lemon
- Beef eye fillet, pommes puree, red wine jus, confit mushroom and salsa verde
- Vanilla crème brûlée, yoghurt cream, summer berries and sugared lavosh.
This small, quality-focused producer consistently makes on of the country’s biggest and most robust chardonnays.
Bob Campbell, Gourmet Traveller WINE Mangazine.
194 Clifton Road, Te Awanga (near Cape Kidnappers) 4180
12. Elephant Hill
86 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, Haumoana (near Cape Kidnappers) 4172.
Did you know? This post is yet to be finished, but we didn’t want to hold off sharing these recommendations with you. If you’d like to see us prioritise finishing it, please let us know.
