It’s an exciting time of year to be cruising wine country right now, with some of Hawke’s Bay’s best wineries rubbing their hands together for this year’s harvest.

And what a hot January it’s been! New Zealand just had one of the hottest Januaries in 150 years, and coupled with an ever-present summer breeze, the grapes are ripening faster than you can say ‘merlot cabernet blend’.

Hopping around the wineries this week our wine tour guests have enjoyed seeing first-hand the grapes ripening in the vineyard, and talking to winery folk about the delicious things to come. 

Apparently it’s a year for Chardonnay & Syrah so we’ll be watching those ones particularly closely. Di has a soft spot for Viognier too so we’ll be sure to give that a fair tasting when the 2018 goes to bottle. 

In the meantime of course there are loads of stunning wines from 2016, 2017 and earlier that are already available for a sneaky vineyard wine tasting.

We hope you get to enjoy some of Hawke’s Bay’s best wineries this season, and if you need a ride for your perfect wine tour be sure to let us know.

Cheers,

Hamish & Di

Photo credit: Moana Park Winery