Hawke's Bay is a wine region located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is the second largest wine region in New Zealand, known for producing high-quality red wines, particularly Bordeaux-style blends and Syrah. The region has a long history of winemaking, with the first vines planted in the mid-19th century by French missionaries. Today, Hawke's Bay is home to over 70 wineries and is a popular destination for wine tourism.
The main grape varieties grown in Hawke's Bay are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay. The region is particularly known for its Bordeaux-style red blends, which are made from a combination of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other Bordeaux varieties. Hawke's Bay Syrah is also highly regarded, with a style that is often compared to that of the Northern Rhône in France. Chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape variety in the region, and is used to produce both still and sparkling wines.
The main grape varieties grown in Hawke's Bay are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay. The region is particularly known for its Bordeaux-style red blends, which are made from a combination of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other Bordeaux varieties. Hawke's Bay Syrah is also highly regarded, with a style that is often compared to that of the Northern Rhône in France. Chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape variety in the region, and is used to produce both still and sparkling wines.
Hawke's Bay is home to the oldest winery in New Zealand, Mission Estate, which was founded in 1851 by French missionaries. The winery is still in operation today and produces a range of award-winning wines.