Hawke’s Bay’s temperate climate and plentiful sunshine make the region ideal for fruit-growing.
Grape vines were first planted in the Hawke’s Bay in 1851 by Marist missionaries, their legacy is Taradale’s historic Mission Winery.
Hawke’s Bay has since earned itself an international reputation for producing high quality Cabernet & Merlot blends, Syrah, Chardonnay, and an impressive array of aromatic white wines.
The warm climate and lengthy growing season also allow for the successful production of dessert wine styles.
A well-established wine tourism trail offers a wide variety of cellar door experiences, regular food and wine festivals, and showcases the region’s art deco architecture (in Napier city) and artisan producers.
Hawke’s Bay subregions
A. Coastal Areas
Although the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean extends into much of Hawke’s Bay, the two grape growing areas located directly on the coast enjoy the most dramatic effects of the temperate climate and long growing season. The gravelly soils of Bay View in the northern Esk River Valley area and Te Awanga in the South have achieved recognition for premium Chardonnay and early ripening reds, including Pinot Noir.
B. Hillsides
The vineyards at Havelock North on the slopes of Te Mata Peak have been an important feature of Hawke’s Bay since the 1890’s. More recently the hillside terraces have been re-established at Bay View and new hillside vineyards have been planted in the Esk River Valley region and Maraekakaho. With their aspect to the sun, and ability to shed cool night air the hillsides are predominantly planted in classic red varieties.
C. Alluvial Plains
Some of the region’s earliest wineries began in areas closest to commercial activity. These include the extensive plantings at Korokipo as well as Taradale and Meanee where the history of Hawke’s Bay winemaking began. Further inland are Bridge Pa, Gimblett Gravels and Ohiti. These areas were formed over several thousands of years by the changing course of the lower Ngaruroro River as it left red metal, free draining alluvial soils, gravel and stony terraces. The accumulated heat and day/night temperature differences, together with the free draining qualities soils are the reason many of Hawke’s Bay’s wineries and vineyards have established plantings of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties here.
River Valleys
Running across Hawke’s Bay, from the sheltering inland ranges in the West to the sea in the East, are four rivers which have over time created a huge diversity of grape growing sites. These sites have provided sheltered environments, with variations in altitude, aspect to the sun and variations in soil type. Fine examples of premium Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir are sourced from the higher altitude sites.
Central Hawke’s Bay
Inland at an altitude of up to 300 metres Central Hawke’s Bay vineyards are characterised as being cooler areas showing potential for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.
Source: nzwine.com