We have recently tasted so many outstanding wines from boutique wineries, that we thought a visit to hear about their production & enjoy some tastings was a great idea! We have popped in a few larger venues that we haven't taken you to before, too.
BOSTOCK WINERY
This family-owned, boutique winery, only selects the best grapes,hand-picking them to produce their premium Bostock Wines. They have 50 hectares of prime viticulture land within the Bridge Pa Triangle containing the oldest soils on the Heretaunga Plains. This land is currently in conversion to being certified organic. Hawke’s Bay is regarded as the premier growing region of New Zealand celebrated for its diversity of soils and warm and sunny maritime climate. Our experience of working with many of the 30 different soil types that make up the patchwork of the Heretaunga Plains cemented our appreciation of the pedigree of the Bridge Pa district for world-class winegrowing.
Central to their wine is Bostock’s love of this special piece of land at the home at Ngatarawa.,bought by Johnny and his wife, the late Vicki BostockI. It was Vicki’s passion that provided the inspiration for this wine. The winery has just been named in The Real Review's "Top Wineries NZ".
Bostock Wines Manager, Matt Stafford has stated:
“Bostock wines are boutique and we are producing small quantities. I am not interested in producing large volumes of low-quality wine. We have a premium model, which is in line with our overall company vision.”
RADBURND CELLARS
Renowned Hawke’s Bay winemaker Kate Radburnd has over 35 years of experience. This includes 26 years as Head Winemaker of Pask Wines. In 2017 Kate established her own label; Radburnd Cellars, focused on making three wines – chardonnay, syrah and merlot cabernet – that she says represent “my absolute best without compromise.” Small parcels of fruit are sourced from a range of vineyards with whom Kate has long-term relationships. The wines’ pricing and stylish packaging are aimed squarely at the premium end of the market. radburnd shares a cellar door with Bostock winery.
TIRONUI ESTATE
The land on which Tironui stands was purchasedin 1999.
The original intention was to use the land as a lifestyle block, but the new owners were persuaded that it be a great idea to do something with it and, thus, Tironui (meaning “great view”) was born.
the Tironui label represents a stylized view of the Hawke’s Bay coastline, as seen from the vineyard, leading out to Cape Kidnappers in the distance.
The hillside was terraced, new vines were planted and in 2005, the first limited vintage of some 200 bottles was produced.
Currently, this boutique winery produces only 5,000 bottles a year of exceptional wines. Reviews from major wine critics invariably score the wien at 4.5 - 5 stars
SILENI Estates
"We are translators of the land, allowing our vineyards to express their unique story.
Balancing elements of terroir - sun, earth and water.
The art of our winemaking philosophy is one of minimal intervention, allowing the bountiful flavours of New Zealand to be expressed authentically.
The story constantly refreshes. We retell it every vintage, each time with its unique nuances." www.sileni.co.nz
We have not visited Sileni for several years, as their wines did not suit our palate. However, on our reconnaissance for this tour, we visited the venue & were pleasantly impressed with the wines & the service.
Sileni Estates has received accolades for many of its wines e.g.:
- Gold Medal: Sileni Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2022.
- 4.5 Stars: Lodge Chardonnay 2019.
- Best Producer New Zealand Award.
- These awards highlight the quality and craftsmanship of Sileni’s wines.
DECIBEL WINES
Winemaker Daniel Brennan moved from Philadelphia to produce wines he loved, leaving behind his life as a touring rock band manager. He now works with small-scale growers to produce award-winning wines using classic practices with minimal intervention. We have been getting "Decibel Dan's newsletter for some time & have enjoyed the range of varieties offered.
HOPESGROVE VINEYARD
"We craft small batch, single-vineyards wines exclusively from hand harvested organic fruit, which our family grows at our small hillside vineyard in the Pakipaki foothills...When Pieter was on the hunt for the perfect piece of land to grow grapes and lay down some roots, he stumbled upon our picturesque little corner of the world - a stretch of rolling hills at the edge of Heretaunga plains, on the outskirts of Pakipaki."
The winery has just received excellent comments from Bob Campbell in The Real Review - The Hopesgrove Chardonnay scoring 92/100, the Estate Syrah 93/100 & the Silver Lining Syrah 95/100. We loved his description of the Silver Lining Syrah: " Bright, mouth-watering Syrah with raspberry, oyster shell, black pepper & violet. Purity with power and a precise backbone of vibrant flavours. While it can be appreciated now, it is full of promise for the future."
HAWKESRIDGE WINERY
Their name and logo were chosen to symbolise the contour of the property and the hawks that soar along the ridge formed by the ancient Ngaruroro River.
A TripAdvisor review exmplifies the chaem of r the venue
Recently my wife and I had the pleasure of visiting the Hawkes Ridge Vineyard in Hawke Bay. While initially only going there for a Shepherds Lunch, we got far more than we bargained for. Owners Bob and Karen were the consumate hosts and not only served up a fabulous lunch but indulged our incessant questions regarding their vineyard and wine in general. We found their wines to be quite unique with the fact their son Douglas was the winemaker adding nicely to their family story. Did we enjoy the experience? Absolutely! Did we like their wines? Must have as we purchased a dozen bottles and joined their wine club! Will we return? Can’t wait for our next trip to Hawke Bay! If you’re keen on a most pleasant experience involving good food and great wine graced with most accomodating hosts then we recommend Hawkes Ridge wholeheartedly! Rick and Lyn Pollock
MISSION ESTATE WINERY
Mission Estate is a multi-award-winning winery and an iconic New Zealand landmark. Established in 1851 by French missionaries, it is New Zealand’s oldest winery and has a fascinating history.
Paul Mooney, winemaker since 1979, crafts a wide range of classic red and white varietals characterised by purity of flavour, finesse and delicacy. Trained by the Marist Brothers themselves, Paul imparts the very essence of Mission’s French heritage winemaking philosophy into both our Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough wines.
"We consider ourselves guardians of our heritage and our land, and for more than 20 years we have been proud to be a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. In 1998, we were also one of the first wineries in New Zealand to be certified with the internationally recognised environmental management system ISO 14001. Both certifications represent Mission’s ongoing commitment and dedication to minimising our impact on the environment."
BE QUICK TO ENSURE A SEAT ON THIS EXCEPTIONAL TOUR!
COST 1423.00pp. (Single) Twin Share 1153.00pp.
Deposit ($120.00pp.) to be paid on booking, remainder by 2 September. Includes: Transport, accommodation (Havelock North Motor Lodge), winery presentations & tastings, winery lunches.
Account for payment: 01 0322 0214423 00
Does not include breakfast, dinners. Accommodation is within walking distance to restaurants & units have a fully-equipped kitchenette.
CONTACT: LYN OR PAUL MARSTON
TAURANGA TASTING TOURS & CHARTERS
PH:(07) 5441383 or 0275224607
