Hawke's Bay is the oldest wine region in New Zealand and the second-largest in terms of production, just behind Marlborough. It is located on the east coast of the North Island, approximately a five-hour drive from Auckland. The region is known for its sunny and warm climate, and the city of Napier has even been called the "Nice of the Pacific" (referring to Nice, France) because of its pleasant climate. Nowadays, Napier is especially famous for its 1930s Art Deco architecture, making its city centre charming and rich in historical buildings. Napier and its neighbouring city Hastings form an urban area with about 120,000 inhabitants, surrounded by apple orchards and vineyards.

Hawke's Bay produces a wide variety of wines, and unlike Marlborough, it is not strongly associated with a single wine style like Sauvignon Blanc. Due to relatively warm summers, the region can produce richer Bordeaux blends compared to other areas in New Zealand. However, the diverse microclimates also allow for the production of refreshing white wines. Hawke's Bay is well-known for producing excellent Chardonnay, often offered at reasonable prices. You can find top-quality wines in Hawke's Bay at relatively affordable prices compared to other parts of the country, ensuring there's something delightful for every wine enthusiast to taste.

For more information about the wineries in the area and current events, you can visit the Hawke's Bay Wine website, which can be found below.