Hawkes Bay – click to enlarge

The Hawke’s Bay wine region is located on the sunny east coast of New Zealand’s North Island and is the country’s second-largest region. It is known for its picturesque landscapes and world-class vineyards, with the cities of Napier and Hastings at its heart. It is approximately 320 km north of Wellington and 400 km southeast of Auckland.

One of New Zealand’s oldest wine regions, Hawke’s Bay’s wine-making dates back to 1851, when the first vines were planted by Marist missionaries. Today, it’s known for producing high-quality wines, and its rich history continues to shape its world-renowned vineyards.

With over 2,200 hours of sunshine annually, Hawke’s Bay boasts a warm, dry maritime climate, perfect for growing Bordeaux-style reds, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Its long, hot summers and mild winters offer ideal conditions for producing premium wines.

The region is split into six subregions with unique characteristics. The two grape-growing areas on the coast enjoy the most dramatic effects of the temperate climate and long growing season. The gravelly soils in the northern Esk River Valley area and Te Awanga in the South of the Bay have achieved recognition for premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

A little further inland, the plains fan out between Havelock and Napier, covering Gimblett Gravels and Bridge Pa Triangle. These subregions are known for their distinctive gravel soils, which help create bold, full-bodied reds.

Inland, at an altitude of up to 300 metres, Central Hawke’s Bay vineyards are cooler areas with potential for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir.

Napier, just a short drive away, is a vibrant hub of Art Deco architecture that seamlessly blends culture and wine tourism.

Hawkes Bay Chardonnay is known for its elegance and balance. It shines with rich, fruit-driven flavours of citrus and stone fruits and a subtle touch of oak. The warm, sunny climate allows the grapes to ripen fully, resulting in a wine with complexity, crisp acidity, and a creamy texture. It is widely regarded as one of the region’s flagship varieties. In 2024, 1,060 hectares were underplanting.

While Marlborough often steals the spotlight for Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke’s Bay’s climate produces a distinct, more restrained style. Expect wines with vibrant citrus and tropical fruit notes balanced by fresh acidity and a hint of herbaceous character. The region’s long growing season allows for full flavour development, resulting in crisp, aromatic wines with complexity and finesse. In 2024, 1,011 hectares were underplanting.

Merlot in Hawke’s Bay offers smooth, rounded wines with soft tannins and ripe plum, blackberry, and chocolate flavours. The region’s long growing season allows them to develop deep, fruit-forward profiles with great complexity and a velvety finish. Merlot is a standout in Hawke’s Bay red wine production, often blended with other Bordeaux varieties. In 2024, 975 hectares were underplanting.

Pinot Gris is an increasingly popular variety in the region, known for its versatility and rich, aromatic profile. Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris is typically expressive, with flavours of ripe pear and apple and hints of stone fruit, such as peach and nectarine. Some styles also feature subtle floral or honeyed notes, and the wines can range from dry to slightly off-dry, with a smooth, full-bodied texture. In 2024, 676 hectares were underplanting.

The warm climate and diverse soils of Hawke’s Bay create the perfect environment for growing Syrah. This red variety produces bold, spicy wines with rich flavours of dark fruit, black pepper, and hints of floral notes. With its soft tannins and vibrant acidity, Hawke’s Bay Syrah is recognized for its balance and depth, making it a favourite among wine enthusiasts. In 2024, 343 hectares were underplanting.

Source:  www.nzwine.com,