Last updated June 2026
Mission Estate Winery in the Taradale hills above Napier is New Zealand’s oldest surviving winery, founded in 1851 by French Catholic Marist missionaries to produce sacramental wine. The cellar door occupies the restored La Grande Maison, an 1880 seminary building relocated to its current site, offering vineyard and coastal views. The estate operates as a working winery with a fine-dining restaurant, heritage gardens, and an annual outdoor summer concert series. It remains one of Hawke’s Bay’s most visited wineries and a key stop on any regional wine itinerary.
Practical Information
| Address | 198 Church Road, Taradale, Napier |
| Founded | 1851 by French Catholic Marist missionaries |
| Cellar Door | Open daily for tastings of the full portfolio |
| Restaurant | Fine dining for lunch and dinner with panoramic views; bookings recommended |
| Building | La Grande Maison, built 1880 and relocated to current site |
| Wines | Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon and others |
| Concerts | Annual Mission Concert, outdoor summer event with separate ticketing |
| Access | Car or via Hawke’s Bay Trails cycling network |
About Mission Estate
Mission Estate Winery was established in 1851 by French Marist missionaries at the original Pakowhai mission station to produce sacramental wine. The operation later moved to the Taradale site after flooding affected the original location, and the winery has operated continuously since its founding, making it New Zealand’s oldest surviving winemaking concern.
The cellar door is housed in La Grande Maison, a two-storey seminary building constructed in 1880 at Meeanee and relocated in sections to the current Taradale site in 1910-1911. The elevated position provides sweeping views across the vineyards to the coast and Heretaunga Plains, while heritage gardens enhance the setting.
The winery produces a range of Hawke’s Bay wines including Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon. Offerings span everyday drinking wines to premium reserve and Jewelstone tiers, with most wines crafted and bottled on site.
Cellar Door and Restaurant
The cellar door experience takes place inside La Grande Maison and offers tastings of the full Mission portfolio, with fees applying and bottle sales available. Staff provide guidance through the range in a setting with vineyard and coastal views.
The on-site restaurant delivers fine dining with lunch and dinner options, award-winning wines, and panoramic views from the Taradale hills. It operates with seasonal trading hours, and bookings are essential at weekends and during busy periods. The venue also hosts events and functions.
Mission Concert and Events
The Mission Concert is an annual outdoor summer event held at the winery since 1993, featuring international and New Zealand performers against the vineyard backdrop. Separate ticketing applies, and the concert forms a long-standing Hawke’s Bay tradition.
The estate’s heritage buildings and gardens also support weddings and private events, particularly during the warmer months.
Getting There and Access
Mission Estate lies approximately 10 km from central Napier and 5 km from Hastings. Driving access follows the Hawke’s Bay road network via Church Road. The site connects directly to the Hawke’s Bay Trails and Rotary Pathway cycling network, allowing visitors to ride from Napier or combine stops with nearby wineries such as Church Road. E-bike options are available in Napier for full-day itineraries.
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers highlight the atmospheric heritage setting of the 1851-founded winery and the restored Grande Maison building with its vineyard and coastal views. The restaurant receives consistent praise for food quality and terrace dining, especially in warmer months.
Practical advice includes booking the restaurant ahead for weekends and peak periods, as walk-ins can be difficult. Mid-week tastings tend to be quieter. Cyclists on the Hawke’s Bay Trails network often combine the visit with nearby wineries and note the scenic ride from Napier.
Where to Learn More
Mission Estate Winery official site: cellar door hours, restaurant bookings, wine portfolio and concert information.
Wikipedia – Mission Estate Winery: detailed history from the 1851 founding through relocations and development.
Napier City Council heritage records: official documentation on La Grande Maison and the Mission Estate site.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mission Estate Winery founded?
1851 by French Catholic Marist missionaries, making it New Zealand’s oldest surviving winery.
Where is Mission Estate located?
198 Church Road, Taradale, Napier, in the hills above the city.
Is the cellar door open daily?
Yes, the cellar door operates daily for tastings of the full wine portfolio.
Does Mission Estate have a restaurant?
Yes, it offers fine dining for lunch and dinner with panoramic views; bookings are recommended.
What is the Mission Concert?
An annual outdoor summer concert held at the winery since 1993, with separate ticketing for international and New Zealand acts.
Can visitors cycle to Mission Estate?
Yes, the winery connects to the Hawke’s Bay Trails and Rotary Pathway network, allowing scenic rides from Napier.
What wines are produced at Mission Estate?
Hawke’s Bay classics including Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon, from everyday to premium tiers.
Is La Grande Maison the original building?
It was built in 1880 at Meeanee and relocated in sections to the current Taradale site in 1910-1911.
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