Hawke's Bay: Small-Group Wine Tour & Cheeseboard Pickup

Summary

Wine tasting through hawke’s bay vineyards with local stories and real flavors

You’ll taste your way through four Hawke’s Bay wineries with a local guide who keeps things light and honest—plus there’s cheese (thank goodness). Expect easy hotel pickup, friendly faces, and plenty of time to soak up vineyard views without feeling rushed. If you want wine knowledge without snobbery—and maybe a laugh or two—you’ll feel right at home here.

What’s the experience like?

“You can’t rush a good pour,” our guide Mark grinned, holding up a glass as the morning sun poked through the vines near Napier. He was right — I’d been eyeing the cheeseboard already, but everyone just sort of paused for that first swirl. The van had picked us up from our hotel (no stress there), and by the second winery, I realized I’d stopped checking my phone. There was this earthy smell in the air, kind of grassy but sweeter than I expected. It stuck to my jacket after we walked through those old barrels at the second stop.

I liked how Mark explained things without making it weird — he told us about the soil and why Hawke’s Bay is such a big deal for wine, but not in a show-offy way. At one point, he tried to teach me how to say “Gimblett Gravels” like a local (I definitely failed). The group was small — just eight of us — so it felt more like friends than strangers. We all laughed when someone spilled a bit of merlot on their notes. Happens to the best of us.

The cheese plate came out right when my stomach started rumbling — sharp cheddar, something creamy I couldn’t pronounce, and walnuts that tasted almost smoky. There were these little moments: sunlight catching on someone’s glass, a couple sharing an inside joke by the window, Mark telling us which winemaker still does everything by hand. It wasn’t fancy or rushed; just real people enjoying wine together. The drive back was quiet except for someone humming softly behind me. I still think about that view over the vines as we left Havelock North… kind of wish I’d taken one more photo, but maybe it’s better that way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day Hawke's Bay wine tour

• Travel through Hawke's Bay countryside
• Visit four internationally recognised wineries
• Enjoy comprehensive wine tastings
• Listen to plain English explanations

Top questions

How many wineries are visited on this Hawke's Bay wine tour?

The tour includes visits to four internationally recognized wineries in Hawke's Bay.

Is hotel pickup included for this small-group wine tour?

Yes, door-to-door service is included within Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North areas.

Are food or snacks provided during the wine tour?

A cheeseboard is included along with water as light refreshments during your tastings.

How many people are usually in each group?

The tours are kept small—up to 11 guests per group for a personal touch.

Is this Hawke's Bay wine tour suitable for children or families?

Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult; infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers.

Are service animals allowed on this wine tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?

The tour is wheelchair accessible for those who need it.

Do I need to pay extra for wine tastings?

No, all tasting fees are included except at Craggy Range winery.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off around Napier, Hastings or Havelock North; all transport in an air-conditioned minivan; live commentary from your local guide; entry fees for tastings at four wineries (except Craggy Range); plus water and a cheeseboard to share along the way before heading back relaxed and full of new favorites.