Discover the flavours of New Zealand’s Great Wine Capital Celebrating Hawke's Bay

Visit Hawke’s Bay and discover why this spectacular region has been made the newest Great Wine Capital of the world.

Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s best loved visitor destinations, with its charming Art Deco architecture, glorious scenery and unspoiled beaches, not to mention its celebrated food and wine scene, where culinary wonders are taken to bold new heights.

And now there's another reason to visit this sunny East Coast paradise, as it's been named as the newest member of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network - joining esteemed regions like Napa Valley and Bordeaux as world-class wine tourism destinations.

Whether you're visiting historic Mission Estate or enjoying the views at Craggy Range's award-winning restaurant, the diverse wine offerings will captivate you. With over 30 cellar doors, from internationally significant brands to boutique offerings where the winemakers themselves often pour their finest, there's something for everyone.

Raise a glass to a world-class wine experience

Winemaking has been deeply rooted in Hawke's Bay’s soil since 1851, when pioneering French missionaries planted the first vines at what is now Mission Estate. Hot on their heels, Te Mata Estate was established in 1896 when the Chambers family planted vines on the north-facing hills above their homestead. Then Church Road followed suit in 1897, and all three are still pillars of New Zealand's wine making community today.

Over a century later, a deeper understanding of Hawke’s Bay’s terroir has led to 38 varietals grown across the region, with producers of all sizes winning awards and gaining fans locally and internationally. With cellar doors found in Art Deco buildings, chic courtyards or out amongst the vines, you're always near a special glass of wine.

The region’s recent Best Of Wine Tourism awards – an annual feature in each of the 12 Great Wine Capitals – recognised four wineries offering exceptional wine tourism experiences, with Black Barn Vineyards, Church Road, Craggy Range and Smith & Sheth winning awards. Alongside other accolades in the region, Craggy Range has also been acknowledged as Hawke’s Bay’s global Best Of Wine Tourism winner, sitting alongside some of the world’s most iconic wine tourism experiences.

Iconic Mission Estate is New Zealand's oldest winery.

Culinary delights of Hawke’s Bay

As appealing as its wine, the Hawke’s Bay area is also renowned for fabulous fresh food. From fine dining to more casual culinary offerings, here you’ll find innovative farmers and growers drawing inspiration from the fertile landscape. This in turn feeds creativity with imaginative chefs and artisans using local produce to scale great epicurean heights, and the result is a gastronomic hot-spot.

A great place to start is with one of the longest running, best loved farmers’ markets in the country. Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market is held each Sunday from 8:30am-12:30pm at Tōmoana Showgrounds in Hastings, providing a showcase for the region’s freshest ingredients and finest artisanal products. Grab some bread, pickles, preserves, and produce, and you'll have the perfect picnic. Or perhaps take yourself on a driving tour of the region’s artisans to taste and buy direct from the ‘farm gate’ – must-do’s include Te Mata Figs, Arataki Honey, Telegraph Hill Olives, St Andrew’s Limes and Silky Oak Chocolates.

For something more formal, gourmands should book a table at one of the region’s Cuisine Good Food Guide ‘hatted’ restaurants, including Pacifica or Central Fire Station Bistro in Napier, Cellar 495 in Hastings, and Craggy Range Restaurant and Black Barn Bistro in Havelock North.

For serious wine lovers, top-tier wine experiences include Smith & Sheth’s sensory Heretaunga Wine Studio, Craggy Range’s guided tour Giants Estate Experience, or the Church Road TOM Experience featuring an intimate wine flight of their iconic TOM range in the winery’s atmospheric underground museum.

And an unforgettable fixture is the annual F.A.W.C! Food and Wine Classic, the region’s 10-day culinary festival which has been delighting visitors since 2012 with its sumptuous showcase of regional provenance.

Church Road is an unforgettable opportunity to enjoy the provenance of Hawke's Bay.

Adventures beyond the vineyards

While it's tempting to relax and indulge all day, it's also great to get moving. If you love cycling, you'll be thrilled to know that Hawke’s Bay offers one of New Zealand’s official Great Rides, perfect for exploring the region on an e-bike.

The Hawke's Bay Trails offers 200km of scenic cycle trails connecting many of the region's cellar doors, making for easy rides between vineyards - though responsible drinking when riding is urged. While cycling is the perfect way to enjoy the peaceful countryside, walking is also popular in The Bay, with a hike to the top of the majestic Te Mata peak being a must.

During warmer months, Hawke’s Bay draws visitors for its famous winery concerts, from Black Barn to Church Road and Mission Estate, featuring artists like Rod Stewart, Michael Bublé, and Sting. Other popular events include the Napier Art Deco Festival and Hawke’s Bay Marathon – with its Elephant Hill winery finish line, plus a host of one-day culinary celebrations including Harvest Hawke’s Bay, Bridge Pa Wine Festival, Taste Hastings, and Te Awanga Wine Festival.

Filling your days and stomach can be tiring, so you’ll be glad to know that the accommodation here is splendid. Choose from boutique retreats like the award-winning Black Barn Vineyards, luxury glamping tents among the vines or one of Napier’s charming Art Deco hotels. Hawke’s Bay also marks the start (or finish) of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, a self-drive journey of wine and food exploration through three of New Zealand’s major wine regions – Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and Marlborough, and passing through Wellington with its renowned restaurant and bar offerings.

A network of easy trails mean it's easy to get out and about by cycle

Say a toast to the world's newest Great Wine Capital

Why not book a holiday in Hawke's Bay today?

This celebrated region offers award-winning winery experiences, exquisite cuisine, and activities for both adventure and relaxation. Whether cycling, attending cultural events, or enjoying boutique accommodations, Hawke's Bay is perfect for taking it easy and appreciating the moment.

To relax and embrace the good life - visit yourself and see why Hawke’s Bay is a wine lovers’ wonderland.

For more information visit hawkesbaynz.com or hawkesbaygreatwinecapital.com.

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Smith & Sheth - Heretaunga Wine Studio