Napier sits at the heart of Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions, where the best wineries in Napier deliver memorable tasting experiences alongside fine dining and scenic settings. Visitors can explore a range of estates offering everything from historic cellar doors to modern coastal venues specialising in Syrah, Chardonnay and Bordeaux-style blends. Mission Estate Winery and Church Road Winery highlight the area’s deep heritage and quality focus.
1Mission Estate Winery
Mission Estate Winery is New Zealand’s oldest winery, situated in the Taradale hills with panoramic vineyard and coastal views. The estate combines historic charm with modern hospitality, offering cellar door tastings and dining experiences that showcase Hawke’s Bay wines. It also provides accommodation and event spaces for a complete visit.
Services
- Cellar door wine tastings
- Fine dining at the on-site restaurant
- Luxury accommodation
- Wine sales and online shop
- Weddings and private functions
Highlights
- New Zealand’s oldest winery with a rich heritage dating back to 1851
- Historic Grande Maison building offering sweeping views
- Panoramic vineyard and coastal setting
- Sustainable winegrowing practices across multiple sites
- Range of estate wines including Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon
Location & Contact
Name: Mission Estate Winery
Address: 198 Church Road, Napier, Hawke’s Bay 4112
Phone: 06 845 9353
Website: missionestate.co.nz
2Church Road Winery
Church Road Winery is a pioneering Hawke’s Bay estate in Taradale with over 125 years of winemaking history. It features a modern cellar door and restaurant focused on premium wines and food pairings. The winery emphasises sustainable practices and offers immersive tasting experiences.
Services
- Cellar door wine tastings
- Restaurant dining with food pairings
- Guided wine experiences and tours
- Wine sales and online shop
- Events and functions
Highlights
- One of Hawke’s Bay’s oldest wineries with a pioneering legacy
- Recipient of tourism award for sustainable wine tourism practices
- Chief Winemaker with multiple New Zealand Winemaker of the Year titles
- Focus on Bordeaux-style blends and premium varietals
- Modern cellar door with vineyard views
Location & Contact
Name: Church Road Winery
Address: 150 Church Road, Taradale, Napier 4112
Phone: 06 826 3200
Website: church-road.com
3Craggy Range Winery
Craggy Range Winery is a family-owned estate nestled beneath Te Mata Peak in Havelock North, known for its single-vineyard wines and architectural elegance. The Giants Estate offers immersive cellar door experiences, fine dining and luxury accommodation in a stunning setting. It focuses on terroir-driven wines from Hawke’s Bay vineyards.
Services
- Cellar door wine tastings and experiences
- Award-winning restaurant dining
- Luxury boutique accommodation
- Wine sales and online shop
- Private and group events
Highlights
- Family-owned with a long-term 1,000-year family trust governance
- Single-vineyard focus on Syrah, Chardonnay and Bordeaux blends
- Stunning location with views of Te Mata Peak
- Biodynamic culinary gardens and sustainability commitment
- Luxury accommodation options on the estate
Location & Contact
Name: Craggy Range Winery
Address: 253 Waimarama Road, Havelock North 4294
Phone: 06 873 0141
Website: craggyrange.com
4Clearview Estate Winery
Clearview Estate Winery is a boutique, owner-operated estate in the coastal Te Awanga area, known for its rustic charm and Mediterranean-inspired hospitality. The winery produces small-lot wines from the Te Awanga region and features a relaxed restaurant setting among the vines. It offers a welcoming environment for tastings and dining.
Services
- Cellar door wine tastings
- Restaurant with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine
- Wine sales and online shop
- Wine club membership
- Events, weddings and celebrations
Highlights
- Owner-operated boutique winery in the Te Awanga coastal region
- Rustic vineyard setting with courtyard and wood fire
- Focus on small-lot wines with great fruit intensity
- Historic homestead accommodation option
- Located on the Cape Coast Hawke’s Bay cycle trail
Location & Contact
Name: Clearview Estate Winery
Address: 194 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay
Phone: 06 875 0150
Website: clearviewestate.co.nz
5Elephant Hill Winery
Elephant Hill Winery is a modern architectural estate on the Te Awanga coast, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It specialises in premium wines with a focus on quality and innovation, offering cellar door tastings and fine dining in a striking coastal setting. The estate includes accommodation options for extended stays.
Services
- Cellar door wine tastings
- Fine dining at the restaurant with ocean views
- Wine sales and online shop
- Private tastings and events
- Luxury lodge accommodation
Highlights
- Stunning modern architecture with Pacific Ocean views
- Premium wines including Syrah, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
- Coastal Te Awanga location near Cape Kidnappers
- Focus on quality and innovation in winemaking
- Family-owned estate with multiple vineyard sites
Location & Contact
Name: Elephant Hill Winery
Address: 86 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay
Phone: 06 872 6060
Website: elephanthill.co.nz
Wineries in Napier at a Glance
| Business | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Mission Estate Winery | New Zealand’s oldest winery with a rich heritage dating back to 1851 |
| Church Road Winery | One of Hawke’s Bay’s oldest wineries with a pioneering legacy |
| Craggy Range Winery | Family-owned with a long-term 1,000-year family trust governance |
| Clearview Estate Winery | Owner-operated boutique winery in the Te Awanga coastal region |
| Elephant Hill Winery | Stunning modern architecture with Pacific Ocean views |
How to Choose the Right Wineries in Napier
- Consider the wine styles you enjoy, such as Syrah, Chardonnay or Bordeaux-style blends common in Hawke’s Bay.
- Decide between historic inland estates or modern coastal settings based on your preferred atmosphere.
- Check for additional experiences like dining, accommodation or guided tours alongside tastings.
- Look for sustainability practices or specific vineyard focuses that align with your interests.
- Verify opening hours, booking requirements and accessibility, particularly for weekends or larger groups.
Frequently Asked Questions About Napier Wineries
What is the best time of year to visit wineries in Napier?
The best time to visit Napier wineries is during the warmer months when the weather supports outdoor tastings and vineyard views. Many estates offer seasonal events and extended hours during this period, making it ideal for a relaxed exploration of the region.
Do I need to book in advance for wine tastings in Napier?
Bookings are recommended for most wineries, especially for larger groups, weekends or dining experiences. This ensures availability and allows staff to prepare personalised tastings or tours.
Can I bring children or pets to wineries in Napier?
Some wineries welcome families with outdoor seating or picnic areas, while policies on pets vary. It is best to check directly with each estate before visiting to confirm their specific guidelines.
How do I get around to different wineries in Napier?
Visitors can explore by car, join guided wine tours or use cycling routes such as the Hawke’s Bay Trails. Local operators provide transport options that include tastings and informative commentary.
What types of wines are most commonly produced in Napier?
Napier wineries are known for high-quality Syrah, Chardonnay and Bordeaux-style reds such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Many also produce Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and rosé depending on the estate and vintage.
Which areas near Napier have the most wineries?
Wineries are concentrated in areas like Taradale within Napier, as well as nearby Te Awanga and Havelock North in the broader Hawke’s Bay region. These locations offer a mix of historic and coastal estates easily accessible from the city.
Are there family-friendly wineries in Napier?
Several estates provide relaxed settings with outdoor spaces suitable for families, though policies differ. Checking ahead ensures a comfortable visit for all ages.
How We Chose the Best Wineries in Napier
Every business in this guide was found by searching for wineries in Napier, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Napier, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.