It would be extremely poor form to pay a visit to Hawkes Bay, without sampling the drink of the gods. More than 75 vineyards are pinned to the pastoral folds of the region, kissing its fertile countryside and crinkled, tumbling hills like a wrap-around wreath. Hawkes Bay sets the gold
standard for wine tastings, with a dazzling range of varieties. Pinot noir, merlot, syrah, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling, pinot gris ... it's all here. Several dozen wineries open their cellar doors for public tastings, generally from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
Mission Estate is the nation's oldest winery, established in the 1851 to produce alter wine. Housed in a sumptuously restored seminary building, the Mission Restaurant is a discerning choice for lunch and dinner.
The annual Mission Concert is held on-site, and the February extravaganza featuring Sting, has already sold out. Not to be outdone, Church Road Jazz has become a signature event in the first week of February, coinciding with Hawkes Bay Harvest.
Church Road is another historic vineyard with a fantastic wine museum, cellar-door tastings and a popular winery tour. Trinity Hill, set in the acclaimed Gimblett Gravels area, produces 16 different varieties - a New Zealand record. The cellar is a popular venue for exhibitions of contemporary art and the grounds include an attractive picnic area. Another recommended stop is Hatton Estate, an unpretentious winery producing splendid Syrah. For a guide to the region's wineries, see www.winehawkesbay.co.nz
