Food & Drink

Best Vineyards and Wineries to Visit in Hawke's Bay: Cellar Doors and Dining Guide

Updated 18 October 2026

Hawke’s Bay holds a special place in New Zealand winemaking. Dotted across ancient riverbeds, stony gravel plains, and sun-soaked coastal benches, this diverse region is celebrated for producing world-class Merlot Cabernet blends, peppery Syrah, and nuanced Chardonnay. Whether you are mapping out an afternoon sampling single-vineyard flights, looking forward to an estate lunch, or wandering into an urban tasting room between outings, deciding which cellar doors to visit is one of the most exciting parts of planning a trip here.

As someone who loves exploring regional itineraries, I find Hawke’s Bay exceptionally rewarding because each tasting route reflects the landscape around it. Below, I have gathered practical insights into standout producers, acclaimed vineyard dining, and convenient ways to navigate the region’s best wineries.

The Historic Giants and Signature Sub-Regions

Hawke’s Bay wine country unfolds across distinctive microclimates and soil profiles. You will find cellar doors perched beside the Pacific surf in coastal spots like Haumoana and Te Awanga, tucked into sheltered river valleys beneath the mountain ranges, or set across the warm, stony plains of the Gimblett Gravels and the Bridge Pa Triangle.

A natural starting point for understanding regional viticulture is Mission Estate Winery. Established in 1851 by French missionaries, it stands as New Zealand’s oldest winery and the birthplace of commercial winemaking in the country. Situated on Church Road, roughly a ten-minute drive from Napier city and its airport, the estate blends heritage grounds with an atmospheric tasting setting.

Just down the road in Taradale sits Church Road, boasting over 125 years of winemaking heritage in Hawke’s Bay. Church Road earned recognition as the 2025 Regional Winner for Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices at the Great Wine Capital ‘Best of Tourism’ Awards, making its cellar door a rewarding stop for travellers keen on history and forward-thinking viticulture.

Across the plains, the Gimblett Gravels wine-growing district highlights a very different terroir. Heat-absorbing river stones provide warm conditions that suit structured reds and elegant whites. Trinity Hill, founded in 1993, is celebrated for its flagship Gimblett Gravels expressions, focusing heavily on Syrah, Chardonnay, and Bordeaux-style blends.

Over in Havelock North, Te Mata Estate offers an enduring regional benchmark. Established in 1896 and family-owned, Te Mata crafts renowned labels—including Coleraine, Awatea, Bullnose, Alma, Elston, and Cape Crest—exclusively from Hawke’s Bay vineyards.

Cellar Doors with Unique Character

Beyond the historic estates, Hawke’s Bay features specialist producers, unhurried boutique grounds, and modern tasting spaces.

Tony Bish Wines: Australasia’s exclusive Chardonnay specialist focuses entirely on white winemaking. His cellar door approach highlights innovation combined with tradition, famously employing concrete egg fermenters and oak barrels to craft distinct expressions of the variety.
Askerne Winery: Located in Havelock North, this Loughlin family-owned boutique estate is perfect for casual afternoons. Alongside tastings and wine flights, Askerne offers a popular "build your own" picnic concept where guests can relax beside the vines.
Decibel Wines: If you prefer a town setting, Decibel operates an urban tasting room in downtown Hastings. It offers an easy way to explore small-batch, award-winning regional wines within walking distance of central shops and cafes.
Boutique Valleys and Plains: Inland discoveries include Oak Estate Cellar Door & Kitchen in Bridge Pa, noted for artisanal food and relaxed grazing platters, as well as Linden Estate Winery and Valley d’Vine Restaurant in Eskdale, which features an elevated cellar door overlooking scenic rows of vines.

Vineyard Dining and Seasonal Pairings

Hawke’s Bay has built an exceptional food and wine culture where local produce matches the quality of the vintage. For travellers who love lingering over long lunches, several estates deliver memorable dining.

Sitting beneath the striking silhouette of Te Mata Peak, Craggy Range’s Giants Estate is a flagship destination. Beyond its cellar door experiences, organic and biodynamic culinary gardens, and boutique guest accommodation, the property houses Craggy Range Restaurant. Under Executive Chef Casey McDonald, the restaurant maintained Three Hats at the Cuisine Good Food Awards 2026, having previously collected Winery Restaurant of the Year and Chef of the Year accolades. Visitors can enjoy seasonal à la carte dining, kitchen garden shared menus, or elevated evening meals in The Loft.

In Havelock North, Black Barn Vineyards pairs winemaking with a vibrant visitor precinct featuring luxury retreats, an amphitheatre, and a summer growers' market. At Black Barn Bistro, Executive Chef Regnar Christensen crafts dishes from locally sourced ingredients paired with Hawke's Bay wines and craft beers, complete with an inviting courtyard open during warmer months.

Closer to Napier, Mission Estate Restaurant complements its heritage setting with contemporary fine dining. Diners on the outdoor terrace enjoy expansive views of Napier and the coastline, sampling seasonal menus, tasting selections, and dedicated vegan offerings.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Tasting Trail

Hawke’s Bay is accessible, but because cellar doors are scattered across several distinct pockets, planning your days geographically makes touring seamless.

Choose Your Mode of Travel: For an active, unhurried day, hire an e-bike to pedal the flat network of cycling trails connecting various wineries. Self-driving offers the flexibility to reach more distant valleys, while organised tours—including Deco-era vintage car outings—remove the need for a designated driver.
Cluster by Sub-Region: Group your tastings by area to minimise driving. Spend one morning in Taradale visiting Mission Estate and Church Road before heading onto the Gimblett Gravels, or spend a day exploring Havelock North estates before continuing toward coastal cellar doors in Haumoana and Te Awanga.
Seek Local Insights: If you need cycling route advice or want to book regional tours, the team at Napier isite Visitor Information Centre along Marine Parade is an excellent starting point.
Reserve Lunch Tables in Advance: Renowned dining rooms like Craggy Range and Black Barn Bistro are in high demand year-round. Book your table ahead to secure your spot.

From historic grounds and stony gravel plains to breezy seaside terraces and lively urban bars, Hawke's Bay provides one of New Zealand's premier wine-touring journeys. Take your time, savour the varied sub-regions, and enjoy discovering the Bay glass by glass.

Cover photo: Craggy Range Restaurant - Craggy Range

By Alyssa.

Sources and further information

Sources checked: 2026-10-18.