Hawkes Bay Wineries
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The Hawkes Bay is home to some of New Zealand’s best wineries and is the second largest wine region in the country. The dry, hot climate combined with low rainfall and porous soils provide ideal conditions for over vineyards to produce the award winning wines they are famous for. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon blends have made their mark at the top of New Zealand’s wine industry with Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc not far behind. The winemakers of the Hawkes Bay are proud to open the tasting rooms of their wineries to the public and wine maps of the area make it easy to find your way around.
Hawkes Bay wine tours explore the wine trails on guided cycle tours or coach tours and provide informative commentaries on the history of the vineyards and a chance to meet the wine makers themselves. Tours often include a lunch at one of the wineries and a look behind the scenes. The Hawke’s Bay marks the northern entry for the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. The trail is clearly signposted and extends down through the wine regions of Wairarapa, Wellington and Marlborough. The trail makes it easy to find your way around if your tour is self guided. Local holiday lodgings are available at many of the wineries in a variety of styles and prices. Cottages, villas, home stays and lodge accommodation are just some of the choices available.
The stunning scenery and delicious food combine to make your next holiday to the Hawkes Bay a gourmet extravaganza. The architecture of the wineries ranges from century old establishments to ritzy new venues creating a mix of the old and new presences of the Hawkes Bay wine industry. Many of the wines from the local wineries are available for tasting at the Hawkes Bay Farmer’s market, held every Sunday in Hastings. This extensive market also features home grown products from the Hawkes Bay including cheese, chocolate, fruit and vegetables, ice cream and meats.
Local musicians provide live entertainment and many of the winemakers attend the event to promote their wine. The New Zealand Wine Centre gives the wine enthusiast a chance to sample a variety of wines from the Hawkes Bay region all under the one roof. Enjoy a for course degustation lunch and screen shows from a selection of Hawkes Bay winemakers in the comfort of the purpose built theatres within the complex. A visit to the Hawkes Bay Wineries is considered a must do on the list of Hawkes Bay attractions and activities.
