New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay is more than a premium wine destination—it’s a sensory journey where fine wines meet unforgettable landscapes and bespoke design. As one of the prestigious Great Wine Capitals of the world, Hawke’s Bay seamlessly blends world-class viticulture with authentic architecture and striking natural beauty. For wine tourists, this means you can sip on an award-winning Syrah within artfully designed cellar doors while gazing across rolling vineyards and sweeping views of the Pacific coastline or mountain ranges.
Here are some of Hawke’s Bay’s most iconic wineries where views, architecture, and landscape play just as much of a role as the wine in creating a memorable visit.
Craggy Range Winery – At the Foot of the Sleeping Giant
The Craggy Range Giants Winery complex offers a unique blend of architectural brilliance and landscape integration, which landed them a Best Of Wine Tourism regional and global award in 2025. Nestled at the foot of Te Mata Peak, John Blair designed the complex to seamlessly combine high-tech elements with a romantic aesthetic, creating a cohesive yet diverse array of structures that enhance the visitor experience.
From the distinctive circular drum shape of the restaurant to the solid containment of the red wine fermentation area, each space offers a unique perspective on winemaking. With the stunning backdrop of Te Mata Peak and the panoramic views of the lake, vineyard and market garden, each element is thoughtfully crafted to enhance the visitor experience.
Church Road Winery – A Heritage Icon with Modern Charm
Founded in 1897, Church Road is one of Hawke’s Bay’s oldest and most iconic wineries, masterfully combining old-world charm with modern sophistication. The winery’s grand estate is a fusion of heritage architecture and contemporary design, complete with manicured gardens and rustic cellar spaces.
Visitors can enjoy guided tastings, in-depth wine museum tours, or simply relax in the stunning barrel hall or in the park-like grounds. It’s a place where the legacy of New Zealand winemaking is as palpable as the aroma of barrel-aged reds.
Elephant Hill – Oceanfront Elegance and Modern Minimalism
Few wineries rival the striking visual impact of Elephant Hill, situated on the coastline at Te Awanga. Here, sleek, minimalist architecture meets the wild beauty of the sea and sky. The winery’s reflective pools and green roofs were designed to integrate the building into its coastal setting, creating a sense of calm and openness.
The tasting room and restaurant look out across the Pacific Ocean, Cape Kidnappers, and rows of coastal vines, making it an idyllic spot for a long lunch or sunset tasting.
Paritua – Bold Architecture with Vineyard Views
Paritua‘s winery boasts bold unique architecture embracing the working vineyard landscape. A collaboration with leading New Zealand architects, Crosson Clarke Carnachan, every design aspect has been carefully considered for winemaking with the added requirement to sit gracefully in its environment.
Offering fantastic views across their single estate and to the hills beyond, the working spaces above the winery make for a special place to work and host guests to Paritua.
Black Barn Vineyards – Boutique Vibes with Big Views
Black Barn is where rustic elegance meets artistic flair. Both architecture and landscape are absolutely critical to defining the Black Barn story and helping provide their unique positioning. Everything from the name to brand identity, to colours, architectural structures and plantings suggested Aotearoa/New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay farming history and a sense of rural style with essential elements of quality and sophistication built in.
The distinctive look of traditional corrugated iron roofing, black stained cedar batten and board exteriors, white joinery and recycled native timber flooring is throughout our buildings. In addition to tastings, Black Barn offers boutique accommodation, an amphitheatre that hosts concerts and events, and a charming grower’s market in summer. It’s a destination that blends wine, culture, and landscape in perfect harmony.
A Wine Lover’s Paradise Beyond the Glass
Hawke’s Bay invites you to slow down, take in the view, and let architecture and terroir shape your experience. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone who appreciates wine in beautiful places, the region offers more than just a tasting—it offers immersion.
Plan your journey, raise a glass, and toast to a place where every winery tells a story not just in the bottle, but in the land, the light, and the design that surrounds it.