Church Road Winery | Napier Hastings

Church Road Winery is one of the oldest and most renowned wineries in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand, located in the Taradale area near Napier. Established in 1897, it has a long and distinguished history of wine production and has contributed significantly to the development of the New Zealand wine industry. Today, Church Road Winery is celebrated for its premium wines, beautiful vineyard setting, and exceptional wine-tasting experiences.

History and Heritage

The winery was founded by Peter Yerex, a pioneer in New Zealand’s wine industry. It is named after the historic Church Road, which runs through the heart of the property. The winery’s origins can be traced back to the late 19th century, and it has grown into one of the most respected names in New Zealand winemaking.

Over the years, Church Road Winery has been dedicated to producing high-quality wines that reflect the distinctive terroir of Hawke's Bay. It is especially known for its red wines, including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and its Chardonnay wines. The winery has seen numerous changes and advancements, including the construction of state-of-the-art wine-making facilities and an emphasis on sustainable practices.

Vineyard and Terroir

Church Road Winery is located in the Hawke’s Bay region, which is known for its unique climate and ideal conditions for growing grapes. The area enjoys a warm, dry climate, with long, sunny days and cool evenings, making it perfect for producing high-quality wines. The soils of Hawke’s Bay are varied, with gravelly and free-draining soils, which provide excellent conditions for grapevine roots to thrive.

The winery’s vineyards span a variety of sites within the region, allowing it to produce a diverse range of wines from different varieties. Church Road focuses on creating wines that express the character of the region, with particular attention to both old vine and modern vineyard management techniques.

Signature Wines

Church Road Winery is known for producing a wide range of wines, but it is particularly recognized for its premium red wines and Chardonnay. Some of its standout wines include:

Church Road Grand Reserve: This is one of the winery’s flagship labels, representing the very best of what Church Road has to offer. The Grand Reserve wines include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, each crafted from the best grapes in the region. These wines are known for their depth, complexity, and aging potential.

Church Road McDonald Series: This range pays tribute to the winery’s founder, Peter Yerex, and is known for its premium wines made from carefully selected, hand-harvested grapes. The McDonald Series includes Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, showcasing the best of Hawke’s Bay’s grape-growing potential.

Church Road Signature Range: This range includes some of the winery’s most popular wines, such as Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah. These wines are known for their excellent quality and approachable style, making them a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

Church Road Syrah: The Syrah produced by Church Road has gained considerable attention, with the warm, dry climate of Hawke’s Bay proving perfect for the variety. The wine has deep, rich flavors with a complex nose and is known for its aging potential.

Winemaking Philosophy

Church Road Winery’s winemaking philosophy revolves around producing wines that are a true reflection of the Hawke's Bay terroir. The winery combines traditional techniques with modern technology to create wines that are balanced, expressive, and complex. The winemaking team is committed to sustainable practices, using environmentally friendly methods in both the vineyard and winery.

The winery employs a combination of hand-harvesting and machine harvesting, depending on the variety and specific vineyard conditions. The grapes undergo meticulous sorting, fermentation, and aging in oak barrels, which contributes to the wines’ depth and character.

Wine Tasting Experience

Church Road Winery offers an exceptional wine-tasting experience, with a beautiful and welcoming cellar door where visitors can taste a range of the winery’s offerings. The cellar door is set against a stunning backdrop of the winery’s vineyards, providing a picturesque environment for wine lovers to relax and enjoy.

The tasting room offers a variety of tasting experiences, from casual tastings of the winery’s signature wines to more immersive experiences that delve into the story of Church Road and its heritage. Visitors can learn about the winemaking process, the history of the winery, and the unique characteristics of the local terroir.

Church Road Restaurant

For those seeking a more extensive experience, Church Road Winery also boasts a restaurant that offers a selection of dishes that pair perfectly with the winery’s wines. The restaurant provides a relaxed yet sophisticated setting for enjoying locally sourced food and premium wines. Whether you are enjoying a light lunch or a full dinner, the menu is designed to highlight the best of local ingredients and complement the wine tasting experience.

Events and Tours

Church Road Winery regularly hosts events, including wine and food pairing dinners, private wine tastings, and special winemaker events. These events provide a chance to meet the winemakers, enjoy exquisite food and wine, and gain a deeper understanding of the winemaking process.

The winery also offers guided tours of the vineyard and winery, where guests can learn more about the history of Church Road, explore the grape-growing process, and see how the wines are made. The tours are a fantastic way to connect with the winery and appreciate the care and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle of wine.

Sustainability and Innovation

Church Road Winery is committed to sustainable and responsible winemaking practices. The winery has embraced a range of environmentally friendly initiatives, from water conservation to sustainable vineyard management. The focus is on minimizing the winery’s environmental footprint while ensuring the long-term health of the land and vineyards.

Conclusion

Church Road Winery is a significant and celebrated part of New Zealand’s wine industry. With its long history, commitment to quality, and stunning vineyard setting, it continues to be one of the Hawke’s Bay region’s premier wine producers. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a beautiful location to enjoy good food and wine, Church Road Winery offers a memorable and enriching experience in one of New Zealand’s most renowned wine regions.