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Tags : Farms & Plantations
Time Required : 5 hours
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Napier houses one of the oldest wineries in New Zealand, i.e. the Mission Estate. This winery was founded in the years 1858 by French-Catholic Missionaries. You can find vineyards scattered across Taradale’s landscape. Silt and river gravel from the terraces and hills offer fertile soil, allowing the penetration of vineyards further inland into the sheltered and picturesque valley of Dartmoor. Exposure to the sea breeze and shelter from surrounding hills helps vineyards thrive in an ideal combination in Bay View, north of Napier.
With its vineyards and wineries, we can say that Napier is an ideal destination for scintillating wine tours. Just an hour’s drive from Napier, Hawke’s Bay is the oldest winemaking region in New Zealand. It is home to wine establishments, some of which have been in business for over 140 years. So when in Napier, you can take wine tours to Hawke’s Bay and try the high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, sweet dessert wines, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. So why not grab a wine map or book a tour and pamper yourself with a few too many glasses of wine with cheese!
Napier is home to four wineries which are covered in this wine tour. You travel with a small group for six hours. You are introduced to a range of varieties including the delicious chef’s platter lunch along with a glass of wine at Mission Estate Winery. The tour further takes you to Linden, Esk Valley and the Church Road.
Crackers, cheese and wine along with an exclusive view of the Hawke’s Bay from a platform complete your tour. You will learn about grape cultivation, winemaking facilities and vineyard management during this tour. It included hotel pickup and drop facility for your convenience.
During a half-day wine tour, discover three wineries in Napier. Enjoy tasting different varieties at each destination. Wines are served directly from French cuvés, tanks or barrels, leading to a fresh, authentic taste.
The tour also includes exploring the underground wine museum. You get a chance to try the vintages from a boutique version as well as New Zealand’s oldest winery. The cost covers tasting, as well as pick and drop service from the hotel.
Drive through the sunny Hawke’s Bay and experience the richest wines of the region. You do not need to worry about getting drunk as a chauffeur shall accompany you to all places. Sample as many wines as you may like.
Enjoy tasting like a professional with cheese, crackers and wine jargon! You can also capture stunning pictures of the Hawke’s Bay from the top of the Te Mata Peak Snacks. The tours include pick up and drop services along with a complimentary cheeseboard.
The month of December is quite busy in Napier, New Zealand. April and July also witness tourists flooding to the region from different parts of the world. There is often a flight and accommodation price surge during these months due to the high demand.
If you wish to visit during the busy months, make sure all your bookings are made in advance, including the wine tour. October witnesses a slack in tourist influx. So, if you wish to steer clear of the crowd and visit Napier for a luxury vacation, minus the high expenses, visit during October.