Step inside the Craggy Range cellar for an enthralling insight into how its popular wines are produced. Wander around the vine fields where the grapes grow and sit down for a delicious multicourse meal of local cuisine at the estate’s restaurant.
The imposing silhouette of Te Mata Peak overlooks the Craggy Range winery, which has been producing some of New Zealand’s best wines since it was founded in 1997. The winery was started by American-born Australian businessman Terry Peabody, who recognised the potential of this region’s dry, sun-drenched slopes and mild climate for producing superb wines.
Arrive and join a knowledgeable guide for a tour of the vineyards and the cellar. Learn all about the Craggy Range winemaking philosophy through interesting talks and question and answer sessions. Discover exactly where each of the wines comes from and how different vines create their own unique flavour. Guided tours include an expert-led wine-tasting session too.
On your way out, stop at the retail room. Browse the souvenirs and merchandise or choose from a selection of limited edition wines. As you may expect, the winery stocks all of Craggy Range’s finest vintages.
Take friends or family for lunch or dinner at the Terroir Restaurant. The menu features a delectable assortment of dishes that use fresh meat and seafood sourced from around Hawke’s Bay. Order a glass of wine to sip as you eat.
If the weather is nice, head for the Courtyard outdoor seating area. Enjoy fresh oysters and tasting plates accompanied by a crisp white or complex red. Admire views across the fields toward the surrounding mountains.
Craggy Range is a 25-minute drive south of Napier. The winery is open daily during the summer and from Wednesday to Sunday through the winter. If you cannot bear to leave this charming haven, stay a night or longer at the vineyard cottages, which are just a short stroll from the cellar and restaurant.
