New Zealand

Hawke's Bay

The east coast of New Zealand's North Island, around Napier - one of NZ's most historic wine regions.

Warm, dry, Mediterranean; the bay's mild climate suits full-bodied red varieties.

Hawke's Bay, on New Zealand's east-coast North Island, is where the country grows its fuller-bodied wines. With a warmer, Mediterranean climate, the region produces Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah of genuine concentration and perfume - a fine counterpoint to cool-climate Marlborough.

The Gimblett Gravels, a stony ancient riverbed, has become famous for dense, aromatic reds on par with the world's great gravel terraces.

For the buyer, Hawke's Bay delivers New Zealand's finest red wine at every price and excellent Chardonnay for the table.

Terroir & Soil

Ancient limestone and rich river terraces; the Gimblett Gravels' stony soils are renowned for reds.

What to Expect from the Wines

  • · Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's warm-climate counterweight - the home of Bordeaux blends and Syrah.
  • · The Gimblett Gravels is a unique ancient riverbed that makes world-class Merlot and Syrah.
  • · Chardonnay from the region is generous and sophisticated.

Remarkable Bottles from Hawke's Bay

All wines →
red

Hawke's Bay Merlot

Hawke's Bay · 2024 (representative vintage)

Hawke's Bay Merlot is an red wine from New Zealand, in the Hawke's Bay region (The east coast of New Zealand's North Island, around Napier - one of NZ's most historic wine regions.), made principally from Merlot. a house-style Hawke's Bay merlot that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

red

Hawke's Bay Shiraz

Hawke's Bay · 2024 (representative vintage)

Hawke's Bay Shiraz is an red wine from New Zealand, in the Hawke's Bay region (The east coast of New Zealand's North Island, around Napier - one of NZ's most historic wine regions.), made principally from Shiraz. a house-style Hawke's Bay shiraz that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

red

Hawke's Bay Cabernet Sauvignon

Hawke's Bay · 2024 (representative vintage)

Hawke's Bay Cabernet Sauvignon is an red wine from New Zealand, in the Hawke's Bay region (The east coast of New Zealand's North Island, around Napier - one of NZ's most historic wine regions.), made principally from Cabernet Sauvignon. a house-style Hawke's Bay cabernet sauvignon that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

white

Hawke's Bay Chardonnay

Hawke's Bay · 2024 (representative vintage)

Hawke's Bay Chardonnay is an white wine from New Zealand, in the Hawke's Bay region (The east coast of New Zealand's North Island, around Napier - one of NZ's most historic wine regions.), made principally from Chardonnay. a house-style Hawke's Bay chardonnay that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

white

Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Hawke's Bay · 2024 (representative vintage)

Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blanc is an white wine from New Zealand, in the Hawke's Bay region (The east coast of New Zealand's North Island, around Napier - one of NZ's most historic wine regions.), made principally from Sauvignon Blanc. a house-style Hawke's Bay sauvignon blanc that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

red

Hawke's Bay Malbec

Hawke's Bay · 2024 (representative vintage)

Hawke's Bay Malbec is an red wine from New Zealand, in the Hawke's Bay region (The east coast of New Zealand's North Island, around Napier - one of NZ's most historic wine regions.), made principally from Malbec. a house-style Hawke's Bay malbec that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Food Pairing

  • · Merlot and Cabernet blends pair with roast lamb and beef.
  • · Syrah is superb with pepper-crusted steak and Moroccan spices.
  • · Chardonnay suits rich fish dishes and roast poultry.

Buying from Hawke's Bay

  • › Look for the Gimblett Gravels GI designation when buying red blends.
  • › Syrah from the region rivals fine Northern Rhône and is increasingly prized.
  • › Chardonnay from top producers is world-class and worth seeking out.