Hawke's Bay is the oldest wine-making region of New Zealand. Cabernet wines and Chardonnay have a good reputation. Other blue types are being explored these days.
The vines here grow protected from the rain on the steep inclines of the Ruapehu. The sunny climate sometimes requires artificial irrigation. The deep alluvial soils offer best conditions for viniculture with their excellent drainage. The ground is fertile, so the harvests are large.
The wines from Cabernet Sauvignon are large and dark, with juicy fruit and good longevity. It is often blended with Merlot. The blend results in a wine with a complexity similar to that of the Bordeaux wines. Some types of Chardonnay are among the country's best white wines. The tropical fruit of the Sauvignon Blanc is remarkable. The production methods are modern.
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