Winemaker Douglas Haynes at his family owned Hawkes Ridge Wine Estate. Photo / Warren Buckland
Winemaker Douglas Haynes at his family owned Hawkes Ridge Wine Estate. Photo / Warren Buckland
You will be surprised what you find on a rural road out the back of Maraekakaho.
Nestled among vineyards and olive groves with stunning views is a boutique wine cellar door.
Hawkes Ridge Wine Estate on Kereru Rd is a destination you don't want to miss.
The cellar dooris just a 20-minute drive from Hastings and at the end you get to taste some delicious wines while enjoying pizza and "the best platters in Hawke's Bay", according to owner and winemaker Douglas Haynes.
The family-owned business prides itself on offering wines that are " not normal".
"We have the highest altitude vineyard in Hawke's Bay," Douglas said.
"And because of that we get cold nights and hot days. In summer the temperatures are just as warm as the Gimblett Gravels but our nighttime temperature can drop quite low. This means our grapes take longer to ripen, giving the vines a chance to add flavour rather than sugar.
"The best wines are grown in places that just manage to get them ripe," Douglas said.
Hawkes Ridge Wine Estate cellar door is open Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm. They have a "latish" night on Friday to about 9pm. Bookings are essential for Sundays.
Hawkes Ridge Wine Estate is at 551 Kereru Rd, Maraekakaho, Hastings.
