[Moorf]

We're spending a couple of days in Napier and we're planning to go on a winery tour so that we can both sample the goods!

Has anyone done a tour there and could perhaps recommend a particular tour co.?

Cheers
Moorf

[sizzlingbadger]

Didn't do a tour but can highly recommend lunch at The Mission Winery. Absolutely stunning scenery, superb food and outstanding wine. If it's really hot and sunny you can get a table outside on the lawn. Definitely heading back there when we get a chance :D

[gil]

also not doing a tour, but we are going to see Tom Jones at the Mission Estate on March 1 :D

Gil
x

[Park City Partner]

We did a tour with Robert Bevan (027) 328-3788. He was great. It was us and another couple. We went to the Mission, Trinity Hill, the horse one that I can't spell...one I am missing and my favorite Hatton Estate which is not a mainstream one that is usually done. It is a funky boutique one that I loved. Robert was great and very knowledgeable....

[DMcG]

Last time we were down that way, we took Vince's Wine Tour. Fantastic fun :D

He figured out what everyone liked to drink and then drove us round certain vineyards that fitted the needs. He was a good guide and great fun.

Recommended!

Dougie

[JayBee]

Have also heard good things about Vince's wine tour but we did the afternoon tour with Grape Escape (bit cheaper I think!!)- I dont think we actually learned that much about wine but we sure learned what we liked and didn't like taste wise!!!. It was fun - visited about 5 wineries in the area in a small people carrier and the tour ended sipping wine with some local cheeses at Ngatarawa's winery. We toured with a nice, interesting bunch of people which made the trip even better. I think the choice of wineries may vary tour to tour.
You can also just pop in the wineries yourselves but the tours are best if no one wants to be the nominated driver!!

[NZ Hopeful]

also not doing a tour, but we are going to see Tom Jones at the Mission Estate on March 1 :D

Gil
x

Lucky you - wine and Tom Jones!! :nice1

He is the best live act I have *ever* seen. :clap

[Moorf]

Thanks everyone - great suggestions.... think I'll investigate Vince :nice1

The wineries do some great outdoor gigs, don't they. We didn't make the Bic Runga one at Pegasus Bay so we've booked way ahead for the Kora/Phoenix Foundation one in March. See here for details if interested:

http://www.outdoorstyles.co.nz/main_divide

Had to laugh - OH said "Tom Jones is alive?" :roll

[Moorf]

I've found Vince's info online - sounds just what we want. Lots of great reviews of his tours online too.

http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/vincesvineyardtours_3389.aspx

Thanks all!

[gil]

Had to laugh - OH said "Tom Jones is alive?" :roll

:laugh:laugh Sir Tom, greatest living Welshman!
And yes NZhopeful, he is brilliant live. Robbie Williams was good too though :D

Have a good tour Moorf,

Gil
x

[Lupin]

When are you in the bay Moorf?

We've done the Church Road winery tour and it was great. I'd recommend it and my mum, a wine boff who has spent time in many a winery, rated it too.

HTH, Lupin

[Moorf]

When are you in the bay Moorf?

12 & 13th Feb :nice1

Then on to Rotorua.. then back to Welly for Sunday via a couple of nights with Smiler ;)

[b&k]

Unfortunately, you will just miss the harvest Hawke's Bay festival on 2-3 Feb when there is loads of activities, concerts and wine tastings.

I am a qualified wine bore and can highly recommend Esk Valley although it's probably not on the standard tour as it's further north than most of the other wineries. Worth a separate trip in my opinion.

Church Road is also good with great food. Mission Hill is a lovely setting and good for lunch but the wine is disappointing.