Hawkes Bay
There are 22 categories of soil types on the Heretaunga Plains alone, from stones to hard pans to heavy silts. Ripening dates for a single grape variety can vary by as much as three weeks between the hot, shingle soils of the Gimblett Road area to the cool, higher altitude vineyards of central Hawkes Bay. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape variety but the long sunshine hours attract a high percentage of later-ripening red grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah, as well as the early ripening Pinot Noir.
Exclusive wine experiences
Behind the Scenes - Private Wine Tour
We believe there is only one way to experience wine and food in this region and that is by taking a private tour with a passionate local expert. You will be shown a selection of the most well known wineries and also visit some of the boutique, under-the-radar vineyards, you’ll be able to meet the winemakers, be treated to behind-the-scenes look including barrel tastings.
A popular option is lunch at one of the award-winning winery restaurants where your guide will answer any questions you might have about the region, its wines, food and its people. By the close of the day, you’ll have sampled some of the best wines in the New World under the expert tutelage of your guide and winemakers themselves.
Helicopter Wine and Dine
Explore Hawkes Bay with on an exciting and spectacular wine tasting experience by helicopter. Fly over the bay while your pilot provides all of all information about the area and its wines. You will visit 4 wineries and experience and taste their exclusive wines in combination with local cheeses and other bites. At the prestigious Sileni Estate a 2 course lunch is served with matching wines. Learn, enjoy and taste about the amazing Hawkes Bay region during this spectacular flight.
Vineyard Tour by Bike
A one-day cycling experience gives you the opportunity to enjoy tasting some of Hawkes Bay's finest foods and wines, while at the same time, taking in the superb scenery. Glide past vineyards, olive groves, ostrich farms, orchards, horse studs, and farmland-all on flat terrain with wonderful vistas. The longest ride is 28km and the shortest is 15km. The mobile phone supplied ensures that you are always in range of back-up and support just in case you need us to collect the odd bottle or two you may have purchased along the way. Your tour is educational and fun you will visit four or five local wineries tasting some of the best wines in New Zealand
