Hawke's Bay Wines: New Zealand's Home of Merlot, Syrah and Rich Chardonnay

Merlot, Cabernet Blends and Peppery Syrah

Hawke's Bay is New Zealand's answer to Bordeaux. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, often blended together, give plush dark fruit, cedar and fine tannin with more freshness than most Australian examples.

Syrah is the region's other red star. It is closer to the northern Rhône than to Australian Shiraz, with black pepper, violets and a savoury, medium bodied frame.

Hawke's Bay Chardonnay and Whites

White wine makes up just over half of this collection, and most of it is Chardonnay. Expect ripe stone fruit and citrus with a creamy, often lightly oaked texture, still lifted by New Zealand's natural acidity. Explore more in our Chardonnay collection.

A couple of Pinot Gris and a Sauvignon Blanc round out the whites, for a softer, fruitier glass.

Hawke's Bay Producers in Our Range

Trinity Hill is our largest Hawke's Bay producer, known for its Syrah and its Gimblett Gravels reds. Te Mata Estate is one of the country's most respected names, and Esk Valley, Craggy Range, Villa Maria and Babich complete the lineup.

Serving and Food Pairing

Serve the reds at 16 to 18 degrees and the Chardonnay lightly chilled. Merlot blends suit roast lamb and beef, Syrah loves peppered steak and venison, and Chardonnay is lovely with roast chicken, crayfish or creamy pasta.

What Are the Gimblett Gravels? Your Questions, Answered

What are the Gimblett Gravels?

The Gimblett Gravels are a patch of stony, free draining soil left behind by an old riverbed. The stones soak up heat during the day, which helps Syrah and the Bordeaux varieties ripen, and many of the region's most admired reds come from there.

What wine is Hawke's Bay known for?

Merlot and Cabernet blends, Syrah and Chardonnay. It is New Zealand's leading region for red Bordeaux varieties.

What is the difference between Hawke's Bay and Marlborough?

Hawke's Bay is on the North Island and warmer, so it excels with reds and rich Chardonnay. Marlborough on the South Island is cooler and famous for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Why Buy Hawke's Bay Wine at YourWines?

This small, carefully chosen range shows a different side of New Zealand, from Gimblett Gravels Syrah to generous Chardonnay.

Every wine is chosen by our team, available by the dozen or as a six-pack, and shipping is free Australia wide with a surcharge for WA, TAS and remote areas. Explore our New Zealand red wine or the whole New Zealand collection.