Hawke's Bay Historic Wineries Tour - Featuring NZ oldest Winery

Step back in time on our Hawke’s Bay Historic Wineries Tour. Visit Mission Estate, NZ’s oldest winery, founded by French missionaries in 1851, and taste elegant wines while exploring the beautifully preserved building and cellar. Drive through historic Taradale, lined with charming villas and early settler cottages that tell the story of Hawke’s Bay’s wine pioneers. Next, we will visit Church Road Winery, est in 1897 by Tom McDonald, father of NZ’s fine reds. To finish, we’ll take you up to Bluff Hill Lookout for sweeping views over Napier Port, the Pacific Ocean, and Napier’s Art Deco skyline. Experience the heritage in every glass! - Visit Mission Estate, NZ’s oldest winery - Explore historic cellars and buildings - Guided tastings of premium Hawke’s Bay wines - Learn the region’s winemaking history - Travel through scenic countryside - Expert guide offering rich historical context * To request Alternative start times or tour customisations - Book on our Mates Travel website.

Itinerary

1. Step back in time, this tour visits the remarkable Mission Estate New Zealands oldest vineyard & winery, established in 1851 by French missionaries. Learn the rich history and explore the historical buildings gaining insight into the pioneering spirit that helped shape Hawke’s Bay’s winemaking legacy—all while enjoying a tasting of the Estates expertly crafted wines. (1h 0min)
2. Along the way, your guide will share stories of the land, the people, and the evolution of Hawke’s Bay as a world-class wine destination. As we journey through historic Taradale, you’ll see charming villas and early cottages that once housed vineyard workers who shaped the region’s winemaking story. Hear about the families and events that built Hawke’s Bay into New Zealand’s premier wine region. (30 min)
3. Our next stop is Church Road Winery, established in 1897 by Tom McDonald, a pioneer of fine New Zealand reds. You’ll experience their heritage-listed cellar and taste award-winning wines in a setting steeped in history. (1h 0min)
4. To finish, we’ll take you up to Bluff Hill Lookout for sweeping views over Napier Port, the Pacific Ocean, and Napier’s Art Deco skyline — a breathtaking vantage point to reflect on the region’s landscape, history, and enduring wine legacy. (30 min)