Nestled on the central east coast of the North Island, Hawkes Bay is NZ’s second largest and most diverse wine region. It has a viticultural history, stretching back over 150 years; that has seen it evolve into one of the world's most exciting red wine regions. In recent years, Hawkes Bay has become particularly renown for its Syrah and Bordeaux blends.
Containing the sub regions of Bay View, Taradale, Meanee, North Havelock, Hastings and Ngatarawa; Hawkes Bay sits on the same parallel as Madrid in Spain. It experiences a varied climate ranging from cooler, coastal influences through to warm, temperate areas. There are approximately 70 vineyards in Hawkes Bay, with the largest concentration on the Alluvial Plains in the Taradale and Meanee regions. This area also contains the highly regarded Gimblett Gravels that produce some of the cult wines of New Zealand, such as the Trinity Hill ‘Homage’ and Craggy Range ‘Le Sol’.
Around 80% of Hawkes Bay’s vineyards are planted to red varietals. However, they do grow Chardonnay in the coastal areas, as well as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir in the cooler central districts. There are a staggering 25 soil classifications in the region, ranging from the stoney, gravelly soils of the Gimblett Gravels through to shallow limestone and sandy clay loams.
The wine styles of Hawkes Bay are some of the sexiest in New Zealand. They romance you with ripe, complex Bordeaux-esk Cabernet dominant wines, and then seduce you with their Rhoney, black pepper, elegant Syrah and citrus, stone fruit, complex Chardonnay.
Watch Stuart MacGill uncork Hawkes Bay
