The Vineyard Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's largest and oldest established wine growing regions and is home to many award winning wines. It is blessed by a warm and sunny climate and a variety of soil types. Wines have been produced in the region since the late 19th century.  Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape variety but the long sunshine hours attract a number of later-ripening red grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Region The Winemaker The 2004 Chardonnay The 2005 Chardonnay Contact Photo Tour