Producing upwards of 40,000 tonnes of grapes, with over 200 vineyards and more than 30 cellar doors, Te Matau-a-Māui Hawke’s Bay region has just been named as the 12th Great Wine Capital of the World(opens in new window).

Aotearoa New Zealand’s oldest wine growing region (established in 1851) joins the likes of Bordeaux, Napa Valley and Rioja, becoming one of the most revered vinicultural meccas in the world. Hawke’s Bay is known for their top-tier Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot varieties. The region’s temperate climate and abundance of sunshine makes for an ideal fruit growing environment.

Whether it’s the appeal of long vineyard lunches, bike tours between cellar doors or a chance to grow your wine collection, Te Matau-a-Māui has become a must-visit destination for domestic and international manuhiri (visitors) alike.

A great way to explore this wine region is to book one of the many wine tours on offer. Operators such as Napier City Bike Hire and Tours(opens in new window), Bay Tours and Charters(opens in new window), Tākaro Trails(opens in new window) and Prinsy’s Tours(opens in new window) enable you and your clients to navigate the region’s cellar doors with ease and offer local knowledge of the area.

Check out our Wine Trail(opens in new window) resource for an overview of New Zealand’s diverse vinicultural hotspots and our new Culture and Cuisine(opens in new window) sample itinerary to spark inspiration.