Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s top wine regions, located on the east coast of the North Island. It is known for its premium quality wines, beautiful vineyards, and breathtaking scenery. A wine tour of Hawke’s Bay is a must-do for any wine lover, and here are the top winery tours that you should consider:
1. Vines & Views Wine Tours
Vines & Views Wine Tours offer a range of small group tours, private tours, and custom tours to suit any taste and budget. Their knowledgeable and friendly guides will take you on a journey through some of the best wineries in the region, where you can taste the finest wines and enjoy the stunning views of the Hawke’s Bay countryside.
2. Odyssey New Zealand Wine Tours
Odyssey New Zealand Wine Tours offer a unique and personalised wine experience, where you can explore the region’s wineries, taste award-winning wines, and learn about the winemaking process. Their tours are tailored to your preferences, and you can choose from a half-day, full-day, or multi-day tour.
3. Grape Escape Wine Tours
Grape Escape Wine Tours offer a range of tours to suit any taste and budget, including group tours, private tours, and custom tours. Their knowledgeable guides will take you to some of the best wineries in the region, where you can taste premium quality wines and learn about the history and culture of the region.
4. Black Barn Vineyards
Black Barn Vineyards is a premium winery located in the heart of Hawke’s Bay. They offer a range of wine tours, where you can explore their vineyards, taste their award-winning wines, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Their tours include a guided tasting of their wines, a tour of the vineyard, and a visit to their stunning underground cellar.
5. Trinity Hill Winery
Trinity Hill Winery is one of the top wineries in Hawke’s Bay, known for its premium quality wines and stunning vineyard. They offer a range of tours and tastings, where you can explore the vineyard, taste their wines, and learn about the winemaking process. Their tours include a guided tasting of their wines, a tour of the vineyard, and a visit to their winery.
The types of wine grown in Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is known for producing premium quality wines that are renowned worldwide. The region has a diverse range of soils and microclimates, which make it ideal for growing a wide variety of grapes. Some of the popular wine varieties grown in Hawke’s Bay include:
- Chardonnay: Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its rich and complex Chardonnays, which are characterised by their ripe stone fruit flavours, subtle oak notes, and creamy texture. The region’s Chardonnays are considered some of the best in New Zealand and are sought after by wine enthusiasts worldwide.
- Merlot: Merlot is the most widely planted red grape variety in Hawke’s Bay, and it thrives in the region’s warm and sunny climate. Hawke’s Bay Merlots are characterised by their ripe black fruit flavours, supple tannins, and smooth texture.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is another popular red grape variety grown in Hawke’s Bay, particularly in the warmer subregions of the region. The wines are characterised by their bold, full-bodied style, with rich blackcurrant flavours and firm tannins.
- Syrah: Hawke’s Bay produces some of the best Syrah wines in New Zealand, which are known for their peppery spice notes, ripe dark fruit flavours, and silky texture. The region’s cooler subregions are particularly suited to growing Syrah grapes.
- Pinot Noir: Although Pinot Noir is not as widely planted in Hawke’s Bay as it is in other New Zealand wine regions, such as Central Otago and Martinborough, the region produces some excellent examples of the grape. Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noirs are characterised by their bright red fruit flavours, subtle oak notes, and silky texture.
In addition to these popular grape varieties, Hawke’s Bay is also known for producing other wine varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Viognier. The region’s wines are renowned for their quality and are sought after by wine enthusiasts worldwide. A wine tour of Hawke’s Bay is an excellent opportunity to taste some of these premium wines and learn about the winemaking process firsthand.
In conclusion, Hawke’s Bay is a wine lover’s paradise, with some of the best wineries in New Zealand. A wine tour of the region is a must-do for anyone visiting the area, and these top winery tours will provide you with an unforgettable experience.