Mission Estate (Napier, New Zealand)

Established in 1851 Mission Estate is New Zealand’s oldest existing vineyard and it was established by the French Roman Catholic missionaries where they introduced many generations of wine making experience and a few precious vines from France. It does still look like it is still maintained by missionaries, when you come inside this establishment it feels like you are warped back in time, the place itself is a museum on its own.

Every visitor is free to roam around the property so you can take your time and wander around the beautiful estate, from the seminary building, the gardens and into the vineyards. On the building walls you can view old photos that documented the history of the estate and its missionaries.

And if that is not enough, you can also dine in premises and enjoy what they have on offer on their menu, or better yet have some tasting experience where your NZ$5.00 will give you the experience in tasting their range of wines like their Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Rose, you will be given 5 or if you are lucky 6 or 7 different wines to try. Each wine is explained to you, what flavours to expect, how its grown, how its processed and even where is it best to pair with, it’s a good educational experience. What’s even better is they give away a free stemless Mission glass to take home. This is a highly recommended activity to partake.

This is a must do when visiting Hawkes Bay in New Zealand even if you are not a wine drinker just the estate alone is a nice step back from the busy city life, just sit on one of the garden patio seats and enjoy the magnificent views of the winery and find that inner peace in you.

Mission Estate Winery
Address: 198 Church Rd, Poraiti, Napier 4112, New Zealand
Phone: +646 845 9350
Website: http://www.missionestate.co.nz/