The complete guide to Hawke's Bay wine tours

If you're planning a visit to Hawke's Bay, chances are you've heard about its world-class wineries. But with more than 70 wineries spread across picturesque landscapes, choosing where to go—and how to experience them—can feel overwhelming.

Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing day out with friends, Hawke's Bay offers an unforgettable wine experience. From historic estates and boutique cellar doors to breathtaking vineyard views and award-winning restaurants, it's one of New Zealand's premier wine regions for good reason.

In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about Hawke's Bay wine tours, including the best wineries to visit, why guided tours are worth considering, what to expect, and how to make the most of your time in the region.

Why Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's premier wine regions

As New Zealand's oldest wine-producing region, Hawke's Bay has been crafting exceptional wines for more than 170 years. Blessed with long sunshine hours, warm days, cool evenings, and diverse soils, the region produces an impressive range of wine styles.

It's particularly renowned for:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah
Chardonnay
Bordeaux-style blends
Aromatic white wines

Beyond the wine itself, Hawke's Bay offers something many wine regions don't—a relaxed atmosphere. Distances between wineries are short, making it easy to visit several cellar doors in one day while enjoying stunning rural scenery, charming villages, and excellent local food.

Why choose a guided wine tour?

While it's certainly possible to explore Hawke's Bay independently, joining a guided wine tour offers a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Instead of navigating unfamiliar roads or deciding who will be the designated driver, you can simply sit back, take in the scenery, and enjoy each tasting without worrying about the logistics.

A knowledgeable local guide also adds another layer to the experience, sharing stories about the region, its history, and the passionate people behind the wines.

Many visitors discover wineries they may never have found on their own.

Some of Hawke's Bay's most loved wineries

One of the joys of visiting Hawke's Bay is that every winery has its own personality.

Mission Estate Winery

Established in 1851, Mission Estate is New Zealand's oldest winery. Its grand historic buildings, sweeping views over the vineyards, and beautiful gardens make it one of the region's most iconic destinations.

Visitors can enjoy guided tastings, wander the grounds, or enjoy lunch overlooking the vines.

Church Road Winery

Church Road has helped shape New Zealand winemaking for well over a century. It's known for premium reds, fascinating winemaking history, and expertly guided tasting experiences.

For many visitors, it's a must-see stop when exploring Napier's historic wine district.

Craggy Range

Nestled beneath the dramatic cliffs of Te Mata Peak, Craggy Range combines spectacular scenery with internationally acclaimed wines.

Its cellar door, award-winning restaurant, and elegant setting make it a favourite for both first-time visitors and returning wine lovers.

Smith & Sheth

Located in the heart of Havelock North, Smith & Sheth offers a modern cellar door experience in a relaxed village setting.

It's an excellent option for visitors wanting to enjoy premium wines within easy walking distance of cafés, boutique shops, and galleries.

What happens on a wine tour?

Every tour is slightly different, but a typical Hawke's Bay wine tour includes:

Visits to two to four wineries
Guided wine tastings
Time to meet knowledgeable cellar door staff
Opportunities to learn about local wine production
Scenic drives through vineyards and countryside
Optional lunch at a winery restaurant or garden café
Scenic stops along the way

Many tours also include fascinating stories about Hawke's Bay's history, architecture, and local culture, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destinations.

When is the best time to visit?

The beauty of Hawke's Bay is that every season offers something unique.

Spring brings fresh green vines, blossom, and comfortable temperatures.

Summer is vibrant and lively, with outdoor tastings, long lunches, and vineyard events.

Autumn is arguably the most picturesque season, with colourful vineyards and grape harvest creating a special atmosphere.

Winter offers a quieter experience, giving visitors more time to chat with winemakers and enjoy cosy cellar doors by the fire.

There's really no wrong time to visit.

Tips for enjoying your wine tour

To make the most of your day:

Eat a good breakfast before your first tasting.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Bring a light jacket, even in summer.
Don't be afraid to ask questions—winemakers love sharing their craft.
Pace yourself and enjoy each tasting rather than rushing.

Remember, wine tasting is about discovering what you enjoy, not knowing all the technical terminology.

Frequently asked questions

How many wineries can you visit in one day?

Most visitors comfortably visit two to four wineries, depending on travel time and whether lunch and other scenic stops are included.

Do I need to book wine tastings?

Many cellar doors welcome walk-ins, but bookings are recommended during weekends, holidays, and peak travel periods.

Do I need to know a lot about wine before my tour?

Definitely not. The wine tastings at our wineries here in Hawke's Bay are welcoming, relaxed, and ideal for anyone wanting to learn more about wine without feeling intimidated.

Can non-drinkers still enjoy a wine tour?

Yes. Many wineries offer beautiful gardens, restaurants, local produce, and spectacular scenery, making the experience enjoyable even if you're not tasting every wine.

Experience Hawke's Bay like a local

At Mates Travel, we believe the best wine tours are about more than just great wine—they're about meeting passionate locals, hearing the stories behind each vineyard, and discovering what makes Hawke's Bay such a special place to visit.

Whether you're interested in exploring historic wineries, boutique cellar doors, luxury vineyard experiences, or combining wine with local food and stunning scenery, there's a tour to suit every traveller.

We'd love to help you discover the region we proudly call home.

Browse our Hawke's Bay wine tours or get in touch with our friendly team to start planning your perfect day among the vines.

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